With December here, the town’s winter parking rules are now in effect.
Under the rules, parking on public roads is prohibited during snow emergencies. If snowfall is forecast, it’s a safe bet on-street parking will end in tickets or tows, according to Andover Police Lt. James Hashem.
“If the DPW or a plow comes along and finds that a car is parked in such a way that it’s impeding snow removal or is creating an issue where snow is piling up behind the car, we’ll tow the vehicle,” Hashem said. “Towing is, usually, our last resort.”
Snow emergencies will be announced on the town website and by Facebook when they are called, Hashem said.
Violating the rules carries a $20 fine, though violations are uncommon since residents are usually aware of and comply with the policy, according to Hashem.
“We’ve had very few. The program was run very well the last couple years we had it,” Hashem said. “Obviously, it’s very convenient for the residents because most nights, most days, there isn’t inclement weather.”
The rules are generally in effect from Dec. 1 to the following April 1. But if there’s a snow emergency in effect after the season ends, the department won’t be shy about enforcing the rules anyway, according to Hashem.
“If they were talking about a snowstorm in May, we could declare a snow emergency,” he said. “We’re hoping we can go another whole season without having to do it. We’re hoping to have another year like last year.”
