The Sanitation Division supervisory and management staff monitors the street sweepers through visual spot inspections and the use of GPS. Spot inspections allows us to see how effective the sweepers are performing and GPS enables us to monitor their speeds and route completion.
How fast should street sweepers sweep?
The speed range for a sweeper to pick-up a moderate amount of debris is 8-12 mph based on manufacture’s recommendations. The sweeper may operate outside of this range depending on the amount of debris on the street. For example, a sweeper may travel at 4 mph to pick a heavy concentration of leaves. GPS reports show our sweepers traveling between 3-14 mph.
What are the parking restrictions for street sweeping?
Torrance restricts parking from 4:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m. in commercial/industrial areas and in three-hour blocks in residential areas starting at 8:00 a.m. and concluding at 5:00 p.m.
When does the street sweeper sweep around schools?
The City’s sweeping routes were developed by a company that specializes in routing. One of the factors that was considered in the routing algorithms is the drop-off and pick-up schedule for schools. Sweeping is performed outside of the drop-off and pick-up windows and staff have worked with schools individually to increase parking in the surrounding area to enable access to the school.
Will there be a grace period for residents after the installation of street sweeping signs?
Parking enforcement is suspended for 3 weeks after sign installation to allow residents to become accustomed to the parking schedule. Warning tickets may be issued during this grace period.
Will parking be allowed on narrow streets when street sweeping is in effect? Why not?
The City restricts parking for 3-hours per week to provide sweepers adequate access to the curb where trash and debris collects and to maximize the effectiveness of the sweeper. We encourage residents to park in their driveways for that 3-hour period.
Will there be any exceptions for medical reasons, including those with handicap placards?
No exceptions are made.
How much are violations per incident and where are the proceeds directed?
The fine for a NO PARKING street sweeping citation is $43. Twelve dollars and fifty cents is deducted for the Superior Court allocation, $2.73 is deducted for processing by the City of Inglewood and the remainder pays for parking enforcement, enforcement administration, vehicle repair and other support services.
When street sweeping is cancelled due to inclement weather such as rain, will ticketing be suspended? How will residents be notified?
Street sweeping is suspended when we determine that rain intensity is too high for our sweepers to be effective. Public Works immediately notifies the Police Department to stop issuing citations when the decision is made to stop sweeping. The public should check the Street Sweeping main page to see the status of sweeping and corresponding enforcement activities.
Why does the street sweeper go down my street without sweeping?
While arriving or exiting an area, a sweeper may travel down a street at the posted speed limit. The sweeper is not sweeping at this time. The purpose of the alternate side street sweeping program is to provide parking on one side of the street while the alternate side is swept. Because of this, it is common to see a sweeper sweep one side of the street and exit the area at a faster rate while not sweeping. Large cul-de-sacs (10 homes or more) are a special case. These cul-de-sacs are split down the middle and swept on different days to provide parking. This may give the appearance of the sweeper skipping an area.
How will construction-related vehicles be accommodated?
Construction related vehicles must obey the parking enforcement signs.
Is it okay to blow or sweep landscaping debris on to the street?
No, this activity is prohibited according to Municipal Code 43.4.3 which states, “No person shall sweep or otherwise move any litter from private property into or onto any public street, park or place.” We recommend depositing your landscaping debris in the City provided greenwaste container.
