Rtavi wrote:
> Montana town threatening to outlaw freebie overnight "camping"
> Billings, MT is threatening to enforce a section of city code prohibiting
> overnight RV camping except in licensed campgrounds. The law in question has
> been on the books since at least 1967. It says: "It is unlawful for any
> person to park any motor vehicle for camping purposes in the city except in
> an authorized tourist park." When the owners of several RV parks complained
> last summer that RVs were illegally parking overnight in the two Wal-Mart
> lots in Billings, city officials met with Wal-Mart representatives. As a
> result, Wal-Mart posted signs in its lots informing patrons that it was
> against the law to park there overnight. In addition, the stores agreed to
> have their security guards put fliers explaining the law under the
> windshield wipers of any RVs parked at Wal-Mart for more than four hours
> after 9 p.m. or at any time past 2 a.m. But that has been the extent of
> enforcing the law. City code enforcement officers have not yet issued any
> citations. RVers who would like to comment on this issue can email Billings
> Mayor Charles Tooley at ctooley@magicc.com SOURCE: Billings Gazette.
>
> I will therefore be sure not to spend any cash there next summer.
I really doubt that any letter writing campaign will change opinions. I
also doubt that KOA is pushing for enforcement to increase their
business.
Most of these bans aren't enforced. They are put into effect to deter
noise, crime, litter, loitering, prostitution and other
unwanted/illegal activities. They are put there for the people who live
in that area. So, unless someone is abusing the privilege, they usually
won't say much.
If you've ever been to a truck stop or know an "over the road" trucker,
you know what goes on at these places.
The Rest Areas are getting packed with trucks, campers and such. So
therefore, truckers are also using Wal-marts across the country to park
for their 8-10 hour break that is required by the federal government.
Altho many states are increasing the size of the Rest Areas, providing
security and other improvements, they still lag behind the times
(crisis management).
In closing, until we find out ALL the facts, lets not still shit and
make it stink worse than it is. Or, write KOA and ask them to give us
cheaper rates from 11 p.m. to 7 A.M., or something equivilent.
Hank <~~~~thinks it's fun to stir shit, but don't like the smell of
this one.
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