QUESTION: There are signs in front of Jeff Ruby's restaurant at Seventh and Vine streets that extend for some distance and tell motorists the parking spaces are reserved for restaurant valet parking from 6 p.m. to 2 a.m. I can understand reserving a parking spot or two in front of the restaurant, but not so many spaces. What gives? My hope, at least, is the city is receiving additional money for turning a public street into Ruby's private parking lot.

        Susan Morgan, Pleasant Ridge

        ANSWER: Cincinnati Traffic Engineer Steve Bailey said the city provides areawide valet parking zones in parts of the Central Business District. The zones are reserved for pickup and return of vehicles and are not to be used for long-term parking of vehicles. Valet services are associated with area garages and parking lots for long-term vehicle parking.

        Mr. Bailey said the close proximity of this valet zone to several restaurants and the Aronoff Center creates a high demand for valet parking, and the demand calls for much-needed space for valet services to stage vehicles. The valet service provider m ust offer the service to patrons of all area restaurants and attractions.

        The arrangement, Mr. Bailey said, is regulated by city ordinance and provides a service to businesses and their patrons. There is no charge for the valet zone, but the valet service provider is required to obtain a license. The businesses don't need licenses.

        Q: There is no street sign on the east side where East Kemper Road crosses Montgomery Road, and motorists can't see the sign on the west side from five lanes away.

        Kathy Helmbock, Oakley

        A: The Hamilton County engineer's office and ODOT agree a problem exists. They will erect a sign as the county's road work schedule permits.

        You Asked For It, which runs on Mondays, answers questions about regional history, government, schools and roads. Call 381-2800 and enter 2002. Fax 755-4150. e-mail wschaefer@enquirer.com. Mail: The Cincinnati Enquirer, 7700 Service Center Drive, West Chester, OH, 45069. Include name, neighborhood and phone.

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