Snowplow drivers will need permits [The Buffalo News, N.Y.]

Nov. 29--Snowplowing will now be regulated in the Town of West Seneca following the Town Board's unanimous approval Monday night of a local law requiring permits for operators of plows.

Officials said the new law will allow the town to monitor independent snowplow operators and better help residents resolve disputes that may arise.

"It's something the code-enforcement officer wanted," said Shawn P. Martin, town attorney. "It's a monitoring thing. We've had some issues [with snowplow operators]."

Some of those issues have included piling up snow on properties not contracted with by the plow operators, as well as causing damage to those other properties, according to Martin.

The new law should send a message to those who "act improperly" when they plow snow in West Seneca to now "act appropriately," Martin said.

He added: "If you're a constant violator, maybe you don't get a permit next year."

The law calls for anyone performing snowplow work other than on their own property to apply to the town clerk for a $25 permit. With the application, a snowplow operator must furnish name and address, driver's license number, the plow's vehicle identification number and a certificate of insurance.

The measure is not designed to generate revenue for the town, according to Martin, who said that is why Town Board members established only a nominal fee. With the permit, snowplow drivers will receive an annual sticker from the town to place on their vehicles.

The permits will run from Oct. 1 to April 30. Martin expected West Seneca's law to be officially on the books in about a week's time, after it is approved by the Secretary of State's Office in Albany.

tpignataro@buffnews.com

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