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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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CONTACT: Casey Kockler |
State Rep. Thomas Petrone |
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House unanimously passes Petrone bill
allowing Pittsburgh to remove abandoned vehicles
HARRISBURG, April 25 – The House of Representatives today unanimously passed a bill introduced by state Rep. Thomas Petrone, D-Allegheny, that would give Pittsburgh the authority to remove abandoned vehicles within its boundaries.
The bill (H.B. 202) amends state law to allow Pittsburgh to investigate, report on and ultimately remove abandoned vehicles within its limits. Current law grants that authority only to Philadelphia.
“The problem of abandoned vehicles is not a problem that is unique to Philadelphia. It is an issue that needs to be addressed other cities,” Petrone said. “The hazards these vehicles pose to a municipality necessitate that immediate action is taken to remove them from our streets. I am pleased that my colleagues in the House have agreed to extend this authority.”
The bill would require the city to investigate any reports of abandoned vehicles within five days. If the investigation finds that the vehicle has been abandoned, then the police or an authorized salvager would have to remove the vehicle within 10 business days. After removal, notice would be sent to the last known registered owner of the vehicle. If the investigation were to find that the abandoned vehicle is more than 90 days out of registration or inspection, the vehicle would be removed immediately.
In a recent letter supporting the legislation, Pittsburgh mayor Luke Ravenstahl named some of the hazards posed by abandoned vehicles. He said they have historically caused problems for neighborhoods such as fires, storage of narcotics and firearms, blocking the right of way for emergency vehicles, and attracting criminals by creating a negative impression, thereby reducing the value of nearby property.
Identical legislation passed the House during the last legislative session by a unanimous vote but was not considered in the Senate before the end of the session.
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