Warminster Police Remind Public Of Snow Rules

WARMINSTER, PA — If you're already snowed in, the last thing you want is to add to your frustration by having your car towed. With that in mind, police in Warminster are reminding residents about the rules for when the heavy snows hit.

In a post Friday, Warminster Township Police reminded residents that township ordinance makes it unlawful to be parked on a township street or roadway after one hour of continuous snowfall. That ban lasts until the streets have been plowed from curb to curb.

Anyone parked on a township street could be cited or, even worse, have their vehicle towed or removed at their own expense.

Warminster Police will be passing out notices about the ordinance starting this weekend. Anyone with questions about the ordinance or how it is enforced may call Warminster Police at 215-443-5000. Violations of the ordinance may be reported at 215-672-1000.

Here's more information about snow days from Warminster Township:

• If residents have any issues or concerns with plowing operations, they should call the main number for Warminster Township at 215-443-5414. The Public Works Department will attempt to respond to your call in a timely manner.
• A snow emergency in Warminster Township will be declared when a snowstorm of 3 inches or more is forecast, or in the case of an "ice event." The snow emergencies will be in effect for 72 hours.
• All on-street parking of any vehicle will be prohibited on township streets during a snow emergency. Vehicles parked in violation may be ticketed and towed if necessary according to the determination of the township.
• When snow is plowed from the streets and is deposited in aprons and driveways, it is the responsibility of the resident to remove the snow from this area. When snow is plowed from the streets and is deposited around mailboxes, it is the responsibility of the resident to remove this snow to allow access for the U.S. Postal Service.
• Residents shall not park vehicles close to where the plows will be operating. Vehicles may not be parked closer than six feet from the curb or edge of the street.
• Downed tree branches that are in the roadway will be removed by Public Works and any branches will be placed on the property where they came from. Residents will be responsible for their disposal.
• Sidewalks must be cleared within a 24-hour period after the storm has passed. Violators may be cited according to township ordinance. Delayed sidewalk clearing is permitted when heavy snow accumulations cause plowed snow from the roadway to accumulate in the sidewalk area. In this event, residents are advised to wait until it is clear that township plowing is completed before clearing their sidewalks. Residents can contact Public Works directly at (267) 317-1310 to find out if plowing is completed on their street.
• The township says roads considered to be "main arteries," emergency response routes and emergency centers and school bus routes will be considered first priority during plowing operations. Main arteries in Warminster Township are roads such as Valley Road, Delmont Avenue, Norristown Road, Centennial Road and other roads where traffic volumes are higher. Secondary and development street plowing will continue after the priority areas are cleared.
• Township-owned sidewalks will also be cleared by the Public Works Department. Additionally, Warminster Township participates in a winter maintenance agreement with PennDOT. The State roads that Warminster Township maintains during winter weather events include Jacksonville Road and Mearns Road within township limits.
• The township says that any damaged caused to a resident's vehicle or other property that is in the right of way during plowing operation will lie with the resident. That also includes damage to a township vehicle caused by an obstruction, the letter said.

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