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Council adopts ordinance banning motorized recreational vehicles, street 'takeovers'; fines, impoundment set
Summary
The West Haven City Council unanimously passed a new ordinance (Chapter 85) making organized street takeovers and use of motorized recreational vehicles on public streets and properties unlawful, with escalating fines and impoundment for repeat offenders.
The West Haven City Council unanimously adopted a new ordinance amending the city code to add Chapter 85, which makes it unlawful to organize or participate in "takeovers" of public streets or to operate motorized recreational vehicles — defined in the ordinance to include ATVs, dirt bikes, mini cycles, motor-driven cycles and snowmobiles — on streets, sidewalks or public property, including school grounds, playgrounds and parks.
Under the ordinance’s text read into the record Sept. 9, violators of the takeover provision face fines of $1,000 for a first offense, $1,500 for a second offense and $2,000 for each subsequent offense. The vehicle-use provision carries the same fine schedule; in addition, vehicles used in violation may be impounded until fines, towing and storage costs are paid.
Councilwoman Sarah Akberelli opened the item and read the ordinance summary. Councilman Gary Donovan moved adoption and Councilman Brian Locks seconded. A roll-call vote recorded unanimous approval from council members present and the motion passed.
Council members did not engage in extended debate on the floor after the public hearing; the council had held a public hearing on the proposed ordinance earlier in the meeting and closed public comment. The ordinance summary and the vote are now part of the city code as Chapter 85.
Votes at a glance: Roll call recorded unanimous approval by members present; the new fines and impoundment language are in the adopted ordinance text.
