BAKER — Under a new ordinance adopted by Baker's city council, 18-wheelers are now barred from parking on private and public property within city limits, except in two locations. 

The ordinance, passed at the council's Tuesday meeting, makes it illegal to park or leave an 18-wheeler unattended within Baker except at two locations along Main Street: 2200 Main Street and 3102 Main Street.

"This ordinance shall not apply to 18-wheelers, tank vehicles, or transport vehicles actively making deliveries," the ordinance clarified.

Illegally parking an 18-wheeler or transport vehicle, on first offense, carries a $250 fine. Subsequent violations within a year of the first could incur a fine up to $500. 

Four of Baker's five council members voted in favor of the ordinance, with only one member—Charles Vincent—not present for the vote.

Mayor Darnell Waites said that the ordinance came from property owners and residents complaining about frequent issues with the trucks. Waites said that this is an amendment to a previous ordinance. 

Waites added that the city wants to keep Main Street and Plank Road welcoming to both visitors and residents.