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Alexandria
(web | news) , Va. - The city of Alexandria is cracking down on tourists' motorcoach buses lining the streets, which are creating traffic concerns in the city.
"It seems that there's a route that goes right by my house that shakes the windows in my house," said Alexandria resident Patrick Kennedy.
Residents say they know when tourism season is in full swing. The motorcoach buses transport bus loads of people everyday to old town.
"We'll sit outside our window and we'll notice them dropping off and say, 'Here they come again, making the drop off for the day.' The guys will probably sit there for two to three hours, coming and going," said Alexandria worker Frank Hodo.
That's what the city wants to enforce. "Not to block lanes of traffic, to make sure that idling is limited to a couple of minutes to load and unload in designated areas so that other types of traffic aren't blocked and to make sure that pedestrians are safe," said Stephanie Brown, Motorcoach Task Force.
The city offers about a half dozen parking spots for tour buses, but if the motorcoach stays there longer for three hours, it could be subject to a $100 fine. Alexandria also offers over night parking, but during peak season, the city estimates about 30 buses come through a day.
"When the driver can't find the parking for the motorcoach, he's forced to drive around; what we call a rolling idle," said Ken Presley, United Motorcoach Association.
The bus companies seem to be cooperating with city rules, but there is a fine line. While the city wants to create a welcoming environment for the tourist groups because it helps bring in revenue, a representative from the United Motorcoach Association says too many restrictions could deter a bus company from touring around the streets of old town.
"I'm sure the businesses on King Street would hate to see that as well. An average motorcoach carries about 50 passengers that jump off and spend their money in those shops and restaurants," said Presley.
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