The Town of West Hartford issued an alert to residents on Friday afternoon to plan ahead for a likely parking ban to begin on Sunday, Jan. 19, 2025.

By Ronni Newton

The Town of West Hartford alerted the community on Friday afternoon that there is a high likelihood of a parking ban being issued on Sunday, and urged people to plan ahead.

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 15ºF overnight, an estimate of 3 to 7 inches of snow is expected to accumulate. As of Friday afternoon, a Winter Storm Watch is in effect from noon on Sunday, Jan. 19 through 7 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 20.

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 to avoid confusion at the last minute if a parking ban is issued. Public Works will announce the official start and end of a parking ban via social media and through the town’s ListServe. We-Ha.com will also provide updates.

Along portions of Farmington Avenue, the newly-installed Blue Light Parking Ban Notification System will also indicate when a parking ban is in effect.

A Blue Light Parking Ban Notification at the intersection of Farmington Avenue and Quaker Lane. Photo credit: Ronni Newton (we-ha.com file photo)

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

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.

“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.