Fox 5: DC Food Trucks Facing Battle Over Parking

WASHINGTON - There is a crackdown on one of the fastest growing businesses in the District. Food trucks are popping up on dozens of city streets, selling everything from pulled pork to pecan pies. But there's a food fight brewing.

While popular, withbusy, but hungry people who want gourmet food on the go, the trucks aredrawing criticism for overpopulating public space.

Now, truck owners say the city is on a ticket writing rampage and new rules may be coming soon.

13food trucks encircle Farragut Square for "Farragut Friday", a weekly food truck event. And fans of street meats and street sweets lined up toindulge.

But the food truck phenomenon is far from fantastic, according to some in the city. The regional restaurant association applauds them as small business owners, but points out food trucks overstay their two hour meters often and commandeer spaces needed by other businesses.

“13 trucks at Farragut Square is too many,” said Andrew Kline of the Restaurant Association of Metropolitan Washington. “Residents have demands for parking, businesses have demand for parking.”

Halal Grill owner Mohammed Vervaiz abandoned his taxi to try out a food truck seven months ago. He said he has gotten 42 tickets last month. And he's not alone.

“They've definitely been cracking down on us for some reason,” said Sandra Pametta of Sweet Bites. “I have several employees who really depend on me to make a living, and when you generate all those tickets every month, it’s reallyunnecessary I think.”

“A line of people outside of food trucks clogging the sidewalk presents certain challenges,” said Kline.

Buthaving no line may be a bigger problem. A food truck blogger reports trucks without a line of customers may be forced to move. Tasty Kabob said that is what happened to them.

“The police officer yesterdaywas telling me that I have to close. And the only way to reopen is to go around the block. And by the time I go around the block, the spot will be taken,” said Moustafa Shokra of Tasty Kabob.

According to the mayor's office, a new set of proposed rules governing food trucks will be published next week.