Whitehall shortens abandoned‑vehicle notice period to 10 days amid public safety concerns

Residents at Whitehall Township’s June 8 meeting complained that abandoned and unregistered vehicles are creating safety hazards on narrow residential streets and impeding emergency vehicles. Laurian Fenel told the board her neighborhood in Hakandqua is “disgusting” because of repeatedly returning tagged vehicles that staff called a “cat‑and‑mouse game.”

Township officials responded: administration and police said the township is limited by the Pennsylvania Vehicle Code, but described a new local enforcement plan to shorten the administrative timeline from 30 days to 10 days for official marking and notification, issue registered letters to owners, and tow vehicles that do not comply. A staff member explained two officers will be assigned to abandoned‑vehicle enforcement and acknowledged tactics used to evade enforcement (plate switching) and that the township will be more “aggressive” in pursuing removals.

What residents said: callers emphasized narrow streets and concerns about ladder‑truck access and neighborhood blight; several speakers asked for ordinances that would make enforcement easier and faster. A resident noted that unregulated campers and vehicles on corners make passage difficult for emergency apparatus.

Next steps: the township said enforcement changes will be implemented by police and code enforcement and that notices would be sent as described; officials said they will monitor whether the new timeline reduces repeat offenses.