Sly Park Area Fire Safe Blog

On Feb 10, I drove my SUV with a car trailer in tow to my property on Emerald Forest Road. The gravel road was snow covered and upon reaching my driveway gate I determined the snow was too deep to continue. Since there was no place to turn around and the slippery surface prevented me from backing up with the trailer, I left my car on the snow covered road at night fall.

Upon returning the next morning with my sister, nephew and a tractor, we started the task of retrieval. Shortly after our arrival a SO unit drove out from my car. I identified myself as the parked car and land owner.

The officer driving advised it was an emergency road and that my car was subject to be towed. I told him it was a private road used one neighbor and myself and connected to Arundel. Needless to say, we both disagreed strongly.

I also asked him to advise OES that the SO considered this "private road" as an emergency road. After a brief exchange I was advised to remove my car and to consider this a warning.

Was I wrong?

Does the SO in fact have the authority to tow my car? Is this road in fact an emergency road in the county's eyes? What about our gates, one of which is open and the other has fallen down? Of course the land and road are posted with No trust passing signs. I agree it is rude to leave a car blocking the road, but what authority does the SO have?