Worcester's winter parking ban starts Thursday

Telegram & Gazette Staff
·2 min read

WORCESTER — The city's permanent winter parking ban begins Thursday and remains in effect through April 30, the Department of Public Works and Parks announced Monday.

The winter parking ban applies to the city's emergency arteries, WRTA bus routes and streets — there is no parking on one or both sides of affected streets, 2 a.m. to 6 a.m., and any time a snow emergency is declared.

Declared parking bans will take place when accumulating snowfall is forecast. This means parking restrictions will be in place on city streets that allow for parking on a specific side of the street, and the opening of municipal garages free of charge until the declared ban is lifted.

City snowplows clear Major Taylor Blvd. during a snowstorm in Worcester last February.
City snowplows clear Major Taylor Blvd. during a snowstorm in Worcester last February.

Parking enforcement will take place during declared bans that includes the ticketing and towing of offending vehicles.

For more information on the city's parking bans and declarations, as well as affected streets and roadways, go to worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking.

Parking ban notifications are available through ALERTWorcester, with live updates posted on government access channel, Spectrum 192. New this winter, Worcester 311 — worcesterma.gov/311 — is a 24/7 online service that replaces Department of Public Works and Parks' customer service that can also be accessed via Facebook and Twitter.

Plow drivers, equipment wanted

Department of Public Works and Parks manages snow removal within the city and pretreats roadway surfaces before a winter storm. When a snowstorm begins, Department of Public Works and Parks crews sand and/or salt the main roads and bus routes; plowing commences when snow accumulates 1 inch.

The city is hiring snowplow operators and equipment for the upcoming winter season.

Residential and business property owners are reminded that they must remove snow and ice from sidewalks, curb ramps at crosswalks and intersections, driveways, walkways, stairways, fire escapes and exits.

Assistance in clearing snow from fire hydrants and catch basins is also appreciated, while the shoveling, plowing or blowing of snow into the street when clearing driveways and sidewalks is prohibited.

The fine for failing to comply with the city's sidewalk snow removal ordinance is $75 and $100 for pushing snow back into the street.

Seniors, individuals with disabilities and others requiring assistance with snow removal can contact Worcester 311 for a list of agencies that may be able to help. Requests can be made by dialing 311, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov, or by submitting an online form at worcesterma.gov/311.

This article originally appeared on Telegram & Gazette: Worcester permanent winter parking ban starts Thursday, Dec. 1