West Hartford’s Department of Public Works has issued a parking ban that begins at noon on Friday, Dec. 26, 2025. 

By Ronni Newton

Winter is here, and with the first significant snowfall of the season forecast, the West Hartford Department of Public Works has issued a parking ban that will begin at noon on Friday, Dec. 26. While the ending of the parking ban has not been announced, it is expected to be sometime on Saturday, Dec. 27.

According to the National Weather Service, a Winter Weather Advisory has been posted and is in effect beginning at 7 p.m. on Friday, through 10 a.m. Saturday. Total snowfall in the West Hartford area is expected to be 3 to 7 inches. It will be cold, with Friday’s high temperature forecast at 26ºF and overnight falling to 19ºF. The snow should wrap up by 8 a.m. Saturday, but the high temperature is only expected to reach 30ºF.

Parking ban

“During a Parking Ban, no on-street parking is allowed so that Public Works crews can remove snow from curb to curb. Cars left on the road create a safety hazard for all concerned. The owner will be fined, and the vehicle may be towed.” the town stated in an announcement.

The Blue Light Parking Ban Notification System, installed recently along Farmington Avenue, from Trout Brook Drive to the Hartford town line, will flash blue to indicate when a parking ban is in effect. The blue lights are located on traffic control mast arms at key signalized intersections.

Public Works, in coordination with the West Hartford Police Department, will strictly enforce the parking ban “to ensure a safe and efficient transportation system for vehicles and pedestrians during snow removal operations.”

Residents are urged to plan ahead to identify alternate, off-street parking locations and to take the parking ban seriously.

Municipal lots and garages are available for use, as are public school lots because schools are closed. Vehicles must be removed from school lots by 9 a.m. Saturday, the town stated.

Pay-to-park fees will apply at municipal center parking lots and garages. Motorists may register their plates using one of the kiosks inside the garage or a mobile app (e.g., the Flowbird app or the PassportParking app).

Those who park in school or outdoor municipal lots are asked to park close together and not leave parking spaces between vehicles to ensure plow driver can clear the snow most efficiently.

Enforcement

The community is asked to comply with the parking ban, and West Hartford Police will proactively assist the Department of Public Works in ensuring that the roads are clear of illegally parked vehicles. The town said that cars in violation of the parking ban will be ticketed and towed.

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

Trash and recycling collection is not expected to be impacted by this storm, but is operating on a revised schedule for those in the Thursday and Friday collection areas due to the Christmas holiday.

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.

Alerts

Those who are registered with the town to receive alerts have already been notified about the parking ban through Everbridge, which sends automated messages by phone, text, and email. In order to be included in the automated messaging of critical information, sign up here to receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news through West Hartford’s Community Advisory Notification System. 

Check out the Ready.gov website on how to prepare for winter storms.

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