Newton Winter Parking Ban 2018 Is In Effect

NEWTON, MA — It's that time again. The first snow has fallen and the all night parking ban is back. Here's a bit of a refresher course on what that means this year:

The night parking ban begins each year Nov. 15 and ends on April. 15 as it has for some three decades. Any car or truck parked for more than 1 hour between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., can expect a ticket with a $25.00 fine. The fine used to be $5 but it was raised in 2014 in an effort to match fines by neighboring communities.

Part of the reason for the winter ban has to do with how the combination of narrow streets with cars and snow makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to get through, city officials have said.

Those without off-street parking can apply for a free resident sticker for overnight parking in municipal lots. But if a “Snow Emergency” is declared, parking on any city street may land you a $20 ticket or get you towed.

You can get a permit through the Newton Police Department.

In years past there have been efforts to repeal the ban. Residents have pointed out a no parking ban during the winter days when there is no snow isn't fair to renters or folks who don't have off street parking or people who live far from a municiple lot.

Earlier this year there was even a petition online proposing a ban. >> Opinion: It's Time To End Newton's Winter Overnight Parking Ban

Any questions can be directed to the Police Department's Traffic Bureau at 617-796-2106.

Photo by Jenna Fisher/Patch reporter.