News

Food trucks raise safety concerns in Washington, D.C.

January 29, 2018

The Foggy Bottom and West End Advisory Neighborhood Commission, a local governing group, claims food trucks are creating overcrowding and traffic problems in prime business spots in Washington, D.C. Commissioners said the trucks block crosswalks and obstruct fire lanes, raising safety concerns, according to The GW Hatchet, a student newspaper serving The George Washington University.

Food trucks are restricted from parking in residential neighborhoods within 40 feet of a crosswalk and within 10 feet of a fire hydrant, according to the D.C. Department of Consumer and Regulatory Affairs — a city agency responsible for regulating food truck licensing.

Commissioner Florence Harmon suggested food truck owners who repeatedly violate parking violations be penalized, including issuing license suspensions.

The commissioners said they will work with the DCRA to draft new resolutions, possibly creating a system where consistent traffic infractions impact food truck owners' licenses. 

Student leaders said the trucks create concerns about pedestrian safety on H Street.