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Committee probes rising number of parked campers, RVs and boats; city weighing ordinance, storage and towing options
Summary
Councilors and the police chief reviewed policies for handling campers, RVs, boats and trailers left on New Bedford streets. The police reported dozens of units found, with 18 towed and 11 sent for destruction; the Department of Facilities and Fleet Management uses South Coast Towing to destroy units at about $100 per foot. The committee asked city
The New Bedford City Council Committee on Public Safety and Neighborhoods on Aug. 19 heard extended discussion about campers, recreational vehicles, boats and trailers left on city streets, the public‑safety and access problems they can cause, and possible municipal responses including new ordinances, storage solutions and a city tow yard.
Why it matters: residents and councilors said oversized or long‑term parked units reduce roadway clearance, impede emergency and school buses and create quality‑of‑life concerns in neighborhoods. Committee members pressed administration and police staff for options that would give enforcement “teeth” while allowing for compassionate outreach to people living in vehicles.
What officials reported: Police officials told the committee they had identified 46 campers/boats on city streets; 23 of those remain in place and registered, 18 had been towed, 11 were sent for destruction and seven were pending pickup. Police said some units were cited for generator noise and that officers keep records in a spreadsheet.…
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