Postal trucks parked illegally in Lincoln Park drawing renewed safety concerns, alderman says

CHICAGO (WLS) -- Federal and local officials say illegally parked U.S. Postal Service trucks are once again creating safety hazards on Chicago's North Side, months after city leaders believed the issue had been resolved.

As the nation marks its 250th anniversary, elected officials say that the Postal Service - a fixture nearly as old as the country itself - is again facing complaints in Lincoln Park.

The ABC7 ITeam previously reported in October and December that mail trucks near the Lincoln Park Annex were blocking bike lanes, stop signs and crosswalks, reducing visibility for drivers and pedestrians near two schools.

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And as witnessed again, the problems have returned in recent weeks.

Postal trucks were seen illegally parked in paid parking spaces, in front of fire hydrants, at bus stops and in other restricted areas.

Ald. Timmy Knudsen said the renewed violations are disappointing after assurances from the Postal Service that the situation would be fixed.

"The uptick is frustrating to us because we took USPS at their word that they'd be solving this process for good," Knudsen said. "So every time we get a vehicle out there, you know, we call 911, we reach out to USPS, and we send our warning that, you know, you need to obey the rules of the road, you're creating a safety hazard."

Knudsen said the latest parking behavior continues to put residents at risk.

"It's a huge safety hazard, and you know they park in front of fire hydrants," he said. "We've had situations where they're parked really blocking a stop sign, blocking a pedestrian crosswalk. When they disobey these laws and park in this way, it creates an unsafe situation on a really, really busy street."

Despite the violations, Chicago police cannot ticket or tow postal trucks. Only Postal Service police have the authority to do so, leaving the city without enforcement power. U.S. Rep. Mike Quigley, who represents much of the North Side, said in a statement that he shares residents' concerns.

"I join the chorus of frustration... My office is going to keep pushing USPS management on this issue until it's resolved," Quigley said.

Knudsen said the Postal Service should be held to the same standards as any other driver.

"There's just no situation where the United States Postal Service should be exempt from the laws that keep our roads safe for people," he said.

Knudsen told the ITeam he hopes the Postal Service will consider finding a new home for its Lincoln Park Annex. Quigley said last year that public pressure may be the only way to prompt change.

The ITeam reached out to the Postal Service for comment but has not heard back.