Village passes law for vehicle removal

Cars obstructing the sidewalk or traffic during emergencies in Russell Gardens will now face additional penalties.

Last week, the village board of trustees voted 5-0 to adopt a local law about vehicle removal during snowstorms, floods, fires or other public emergencies.

In addition to a monetary penalty, vehicles may also be immobilized with a locking device or towed away by the village, at cost to the offender in question.

The local law will take effect upon filing with the secretary of the state, likely by the end of this week, village officials said.