The Town of West Hartford’s Public Works Department issued a parking ban effective Jan. 6, 2022 at 10 p.m., and schools will be closed on Friday, Jan. 7. [UDPATED]
By Ronni Newton
Director of Public Works John Phillips has announced that a parking ban will go into effect at 10 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 6, and will remain in effect until further notice.
West Hartford Public Schools announced early Thursday evening that schools will be closed on Friday, Jan. 7.
Forecasters are calling for 2-4 inches of snow overnight Thursday and another 1-3 inches early Friday, and the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for the area, which is in effect from 1 a.m.-4 p.m Friday.
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.
“Due to the suspension of the overnight parking ordinance we have many vehicles that have become accustomed to parking on the street,” Director of Public Works John Phillips said. “This will hamper our ability to properly and safely plow certain town roads. Cooperation is strongly encouraged to avoid infractions and towing.”
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, such as schools. An announcement was made early Thursday evening by West Hartford Public Schools indicating that schools are closed on Friday. If parking in a school lot (if school is closed) or any free municipal lots, your vehicle must be removed by noon on Friday, Jan. 7, or it may be towed.
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 updates and storm-related news.
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