What does the term 'public way' refer to?

The term 'public way' specifically refers to a street, alley, or similar land that is unobstructed and available for public use. This means it is accessible to the general population without any restrictions, allowing for travel and transport freely by any member of the community. Such spaces are essential for urban planning and development, as they provide the necessary infrastructure for movement and communication among the public.

In contrast, designated parking lots are typically private areas intended for the parking of vehicles and do not constitute a public way. Similarly, a private property that is open to guests does not qualify as a public way because access is limited to those who have permission to enter, rather than being freely available to all. Lastly, a building's entrance is simply an access point to a structure and does not encompass the broader concept of public passageways meant for movement across communities. Thus, the definition focused on unobstructed thoroughfares aligns perfectly with municipal and legal understandings of what constitutes a public way.