The Town of West Hartford has announced that the parking ban which began at noon on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025 was lifted as of 8:15 a.m. Monday, Jan. 20. [Updated, Monday, Jan. 20, 8:30 a.m.]

By Ronni Newton

The Town of West Hartford alerted the community on Friday afternoon of the high likelihood of a parking ban being issued this weekend, urging people to plan ahead, and on Saturday announced the imposition of a parking ban to begin on at noon on Sunday, Jan. 19.

The ban will remain in effect until further notice.

According to the National Weather Service, snow is likely to begin on Sunday afternoon, possibly mixing with rain during the day, but as temperatures plummet to 12ºF overnight, snow is expected to accumulate. A Winter Storm Warning is in effect from 1 p.m. on Sunday, Jan. 19 through 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20, with 4 to 8 inches of snow expected, and localized snowfall of up to 10 inches.

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.

Along Farmington Avenue, from Trout Brook Drive to the Hartford town line, the newly-installed Blue Light Parking Ban Notification System will flash blue to indicate when a parking ban is in effect.

Monday is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and since schools are closed for the holiday, school parking lots are a viable option for off-street parking.

“If you live in a place with limited parking, you may park in municipal lots, garages, and public school lots,” the town said in the announcement of the parking ban. “Please remove your vehicle by 8 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20. 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.

The community is also asked to comply with the ban. “Vehicles parked in violation will be ticketed and towed at the owner’s expense,” the town said in Friday afternoon’s announcement. Snow removal contractors are also reminded not to push snow from driveways and private parking lots into the street.

“Let’s work together to keep our roads clear and safe for everyone. Avoid the ticket and tow – start making your plans today!” the announcement said.

The Town of West Hartford has planned a celebration of the life of Martin Luther King Jr. to be held at Town Hall on Monday morning, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. As of Friday afternoon, there were no changes to that scheduled event.

West Hartford’s Public Works Department has just started using a liquid salt brine as an anti-ice treatment on roads, parking lots, and sidewalks. The product is not a new methodology, Town Manager Rick Ledwith announced in his Town Manager’s Report during Tuesday’s Town Council meeting, but is a new tool to the town’s Public Works Department with environmental and financial benefits. Crews are learning and adapting to use the brine – which leaves white lines but continues to leave surfaces treated even when covered in snow.

“We’ve only had relatively light snow so far this winter, but this is the first storm where most of the state can expect to see an accumulation of more than several inches,” Gov. Ned Lamont said in an announcement Saturday afternoon. “This storm is being forecast well in advance, which is why now is the time for motorists to plan ahead and get to where they need to be before the snowfall begins on Sunday afternoon. Stay home if you can and watch football. If you need to drive, take it slow, and if you approach a plow, please keep a safe distance and allow them do their jobs.”

Laoise King, deputy commissioner of CTDOT, urged those who must travel to do so with caution and leave extra space between vehicles. “Most importantly, give plow drivers the room they need to work safely and efficiently. Crowding the plow makes their job harder and delays the process of clearing roads. For your safety and ours, don’t crowd the plow.”

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 not expected to be affected by the storm. Collection is not delayed due to the holiday either.

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

Sign up here to receive alerts about emergencies and other important community news through West Hartford’s Community Advisory Notification System. This emergency alert system enables the town to provide you with critical information by text, voice, and email. 

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.