The Town of West Hartford’s Public Works Department issued a parking ban effective Saturday, Jan. 18, at 3 p.m.

By Ronni Newton

Director of Public Works John Phillips announced Friday that a parking ban will go into effect at 3 p.m. on Saturday, Jan. 18, and will remain in effect until further notice.

The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch beginning at 3 p.m. Saturday and lasting through 7 a.m. Sunday, Jan. 19. Snow accumulations of 4-8 inches are predicted in the region according to the National Weather Service, but the forecast for West Hartford indicates 2-4 inches. The temperature Saturday is forecast to be a high of 26 degrees, but will rise overnight to 35 degrees and the snow is predicted to mix with rain and taper off Sunday morning with skies becoming partly sunny and a high of 40.

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.

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.

During the parking ban, residents can park in off-street lots, such as schools. Drivers are requested to park next to other cars – rather than leaving parking spaces between them – to assist Public Works in effectively clearing those lots.

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

Snow removal contractors are reminded not to push snow from driveways and private parking lots into the street.

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.

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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