Winter Parking Ban Information

Explanation

The City’s current policy reads in part, "No person shall allow, permit or suffer any vehicle registered in his/her name, other than one acting in an emergency, to be parked on any street for a period of time longer than one (1) hour between the hours of 1 A.M. and 6 A.M. of any day." This policy actually prohibits all night parking all year. Some of our neighboring communities (Belmont for example) enforce their all night restriction year-round. In an effort to reduce the burden some residents may face, it has been a long standing practice to only enforce our parking ban during the winter months. In an attempt to further lessen the potential burden, the City Manager and Chief of Police have traditionally delayed the ban's November 1^st start date until the end of the month (sometime just after Thanksgiving). The City typically provides a break in December to account for the Holidays and to give a break to people who must move their cars. For the past several years, if the weather looks favorable in March, the ban has been lifted early. Many In reality, the ban is enforced for approximately 3 ½ months.

Some residents are certainly inconvenienced during this time, but the benefits of the ban far outweigh some of the inconveniences. Keeping vehicles off the road allows for better snow clearing, better access to residential streets for first responders, better access to utilities in need of repair, and better access to provide any necessary street repairs. Due to the Department of Public Works' diligence and conscientiousness, Watertown streets are far cleaner and wider after snow or ice events than all surrounding communities. When the weather is at its worst, the ban is most important.

From the Department of Public Works perspective the ban is an important tool for responding to unexpected ice storms where sanders need to travel up and down the street in early morning hours especially prior to winter rush hours. In addition to predicted snow events, there are many times during the winter season where crews must respond to ice events in the early morning hours. Even the smallest overnight precipitation during sub-freezing nights can create a hazardous situation for drivers including our sanding/salting crews. The parking ban allows the crews to respond more effectively while most of the community remains asleep. In addition to providing improved access during winter weather events, the Department’s overnight sweeping operation is improved when the curb line is available throughout the city; this has a stormwater and aesthetic benefit to the community.

For residents who lack sufficient off-street parking, the City allows for temporary parking at any municipal parking lot and other locations noted:

• Municipal parking lot Behind CVS at 27 Main Street - Use metered spaces only.
• Municipal parking lot Behind the Public Library - 123 Main Street
• Municipal parking lot Behind CVS at 655 Mt. Auburn Street - Use metered spaces only. Do not park in spaces designated for CVS, or other private businesses.
• The police station at 552 Main Street (visitor’s parking lot only)
• Any public school parking lot
• Victory Field parking lot
• O’Connell Park, (lot at the corner of Boylston Street and Mt Auburn Street)
• Filippello Park parking lot at 191 Grove Street (No parking in the spaces along the driveway)
• 101 Morse Street - 14 spaces at the rear of the parking lot (spaces are marked with yellow striping and signs)
• Parker Annex Building - Former Parker Elementary School at 124 Watertown Street

Please note that these locations may be used free of charge, however vehicles may only use available spaces after 7PM and must be removed by 7AM the following day. Vehicles must be removed from school property no later than 6AM.  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.