The following information was provided by the Watertown Police Department:
Watertown Chief of Police Michael P. Lawn has announced the 2018-2019 Winter Parking Ban dates.
Effective Nov. 26, 2018 and continuing to April 1, 2019 the Winter Parking Ban will be in effect and strictly enforced.
The regulation reads in part; “No vehicle may remain on any public way for more than one hour between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. all days of the week.” For residents who lack sufficient off-street parking, the Town allows for temporary parking at any municipal parking lot and other locations noted:
• The police station at 552 Main St. (visitor’s parking lot only)
• Any public school parking lot • Marion Road parking lot at Victory Field
• O’Connell Park, (lot at the corner of Boylston Street and Mt. Auburn Street)
Please note that these locations may be used free of charge, however vehicles may only use available spaces after 7 p.m. and must be moved/removed by 7 a.m. the following day. Vehicles must be removed from school property no later than 6 a.m. Violators may be towed. Please remember that parking your vehicle upon any sidewalk is prohibited.
Your cooperation in keeping the streets clear of overnight parking and your sidewalks clear of snow and ice will make for safer driving and walking conditions and at the same time, allow the opportunity for the Public Works Department to perform necessary street cleaning and maintenance.
I think it’s time to reconsider the parking ban. It creates a hardship for many residents. Why not do the sensible thing and ban parking only in snow emergencies? With the new “alert” system in place, residents can easily be notified of a snow emergency and move their cars in a hurry.
Let’s do it!
Watertown streets are narrow and clogged with parked cars 24/7. Snow removal from the curbside is a thing long gone in the past. Parking on the streets during the winter is a hazard and impedes emergency vehicles access when snow banks accumulate along the curbs. People don’t care where they leave their cars and they most certainly are not concerned if they are blocking a police car, an ambulance or fire truck! I have seen it many times. Stay off the streets and let the plows do their job!! Too lazy to park off the street? To bad, then MOVE to another town or be towed!
I agree .They allow us to park on the street during the week between Christmas and New Year. How is that week different from any other. My question is why the Police Chief have the power to decide that we have a parking ban?
Many of the streets are too narrow to accommodate cars when there is a snow buildup. As mentioned, we need to be sure emergency vehicles can get through and respond in a timely manner. Also, if people are away during a storm and their car is on the street, they will have to be towed. It’s best to be consistent and just have the winter ban in place.