I want to know why beer trucks are allowed to double-park in the early mornings near the corner of Broadway and Market in downtown Coos Bay. Frequently, the trucks park across from each other, leaving only about one lane's width for motorists traveling in both directions - and there is a school bus stop on that block. When the bus is picking up kids, traffic has to stop clear across Broadway or the bus wouldn't be able to go up the block. Private cars and trucks wouldn't be able to block traffic like this. Why allow the beer trucks?

A: While it may be an inconvenience to some motorists, Coos Bay Police Capt. Rodger Craddock said delivery truck's double-parking practices are firmly embedded in Oregon law.

Since delivery trucks are too large for typical parking spots, if the exception were not made, delivery truck drivers may never find a place to park, he said.

“They can double-park for the purposes of delivery,” he said.

According to Oregon Revised Statute 811.560, vehicles stopped, or parked momentarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in loading or unloading property or passengers is legal.

However, some non-delivery vehicles would get ticketed for similar parking practices.

The exemptions apply not only to delivery trucks, but also to school buses, worker transport buses, Oregon Department of Fish and Wildlife vehicles that are releasing fish and publically-owned maintenance vehicles.

The exemption also applies to motorists who must stop to avoid conflict with other traffic, or who act in compliance with the direction of a police officer, of vehicles that are temporarily disabled.

- Carl Mickelson, Staff Writer