The Town of West Hartford’s Public Works Department issued a parking ban effective Sunday, Feb. 7, at 7 a.m.

By Ronni Newton

Director of Public Works John Phillips has announced that a parking ban will go into effect at 7 a.m. on Sunday, Feb. 7, and while the ban will remain in effect until further notice, Phillips is hoping to lift it by 10 p.m. Sunday if at all possible.

The town’s wing plows are unable to plow around parked cars, and when vehicles do not abide by the parking ban – particularly on Farmington Avenue – they will need to be towed.

Phillips said he is expecting anywhere from 5-8 inches of snow in West Hartford, with the storm expected to begin early Sunday morning.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area that begins at 7 a.m. Sunday and expires at 1 a.m. Monday, Feb. 8. At times, snow is expected to fall at a rate of 1-2 inches per hour.

Off-street parking

When a parking ban is in effect, the online overnight parking omit system is also disabled and will remain disabled until the parking ban is lifted.

On-street parking is prohibited during the duration of the parking ban so that Public Works crews are able to remove snow from curb-to-curb – which is not possible when cars are parked there.

During the parking ban, residents can park in off-street lots, such as schools, as long as schools are closed for the day. Vehicles must be removed by 10 p.m. Sunday, Phillips said.

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

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

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.

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 updates and storm-related news.

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