Abbotsford city council has put the brakes on any proposal that would see commercial trucks parking on city streets.

Council came to the decision Monday night while evaluating a new policy to address the lack of available parking spaces or lots for vehicles exceeding 5,500 kg.

A mayor's task force set out to come up with affordable, sustainable and environmentally sound solutions that met parking needs, but didn't compromise residents' expectations around noise and traffic safety.

A draft proposal suggested truck owners might be allowed trucks without trailers at their private homes, with a permit from the city and agreement from neighbours.

Council rejected the residential parking option altogether, citing too much opposition from residents at a series of open houses on the topic.

Residents expressed concerns about the possible noise, dirt, road damage and environmental concerns around oil changes and coolant running into storm drains.

The police and fired departments also oppose the idea because of public safety concerns, said Mayor George Peary.

"The Abbotsford Police Department is absolutely opposed," Peary said.

"We just had a near tragedy on Marshall Road where a flag person dressed in a bright orange vest was hit by a truck . . . if she was difficult to see, what chance would a child have."

Also on the table was a six-month pilot project to park trucks overnight on specific streets in industrial areas.

However, council decided to delay approving the idea until it had more specific details, such as which streets and time periods would be included.

A number of councillors noted allowing truck parking on streets in industrial areas might discourage private investors from setting up commercial parking lots.

"It undercuts the incentive to invest in truck lots, if the city is allowing it for free," said Coun. John Smith.

Council did support aspects of the plan; such as fast-tracking development applications for new or expanded truck parking lots on industrial or commercial sites.

However, no sites will be allowed on locations in the Agricultural Land Reserve (ALR).

The city will also encourage commercial truck parking at the various gravel pits in the community and the upkeep of existing Ministry of Transportation truck sites along Highway 1.

Although, truck owners noted at public meetings that the ministry sites at Sumas Way and Whatcom Road tend to have poor security.