Updated: A parking ban takes effect Sunday with snow expected to begin falling during the afternoon and all West Hartford Public Schools and offices will open two hours late on Monday.

By Ronni Newton

The West Hartford Department of Public Works announced Sunday morning that a parking ban will go into effect at 5 p.m. Sunday, and will remain in effect until sometime on Monday.

In an announcement on Twitter, officials said that during this time, parking will not be permitted in school parking lots.

Director of Public Works John Phillips said based on the current forecast, he is anticipating 3 to 5 inches of snow. While it is not the Public Works Department’s decision to make, they want to ensure that parking in school lots will be available first thing in the morning for staff, students, and parents if schools.

West Hartford Public Schools announced early Monday morning that a two-hour delayed opening will be in effect for all schools and offices.

Residents can use parking lots at neighborhood parks, and garage and municipal lots are available, with fees in effect.

The National Weather Service is predicting snow to begin falling around 3 p.m. Sunday, continuing overnight. A Winter Weather Advisory took effect at 10 a.m. Sunday and will remain in effect until 7 a.m. Monday, Dec. 12. The sun is expected to come out later on Monday, following morning cloudiness.

As a reminder, the following are snow and parking ban-related protocols for the Town of West Hartford.

Parking ban

Parking bans are needed to keep roadways free of vehicles so that Public Works crews are able to plow the snow from curb-to-curb, and cars parked on the road create safety hazards.

Owners who do not heed the parking ban will be fined, and the car may be towed.

During a parking ban, residents can park in off-street lots. Schools lots may only be utilized when specifically noted by Public Works, and that is generally when it is anticipated that schools will be closed.

Those using surface lots are asked to park next to other cars – rather than leaving parking spaces between them – to assist Public Works in effectively clearing those areas.

Regular fees will be in effect at municipal lots and parking garages.

Motorists may register their plates using one of the kiosks inside a the parking garage or can use either the Flowbird or Passport Parking mobile app.

Enforcement

Cars left parked on the street during a parking ban will be ticketed, and may be towed. West Hartford Police will be assisting Public Works to keep the roads clear of illegally parked vehicles.

Snow removal contractors are reminded not to push snow from driveways and private parking lots into the street.

Sidewalks

Per town ordinance, West Hartford property owners are responsible for removing snow and ice from the sidewalk along their property line within 12 hours after the storm or by sunrise – whichever is later. Residents are required to keep sidewalks clear of snow and ice.

It’s particularly important to keep heavily-used sidewalks – those near schools, public buildings, and commercial areas – free and clear. Snow clearing violations should be reported to the West Hartford Police Department at 860-523-5203.

Trash Collection

The collection of trash and recycling by Paine’s Inc. is expected to remain on schedule.

Hydrants

Residents are also asked to help out the West Hartford Fire Department and keep the community safe by shoveling the area around fire hydrants.

Check back regularly with We-Ha.com for any updates and storm-related news.

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