sNOw Parking
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As snow and ice grip both the UK and Ireland, the effectiveness of snow clearance is limited by, and routes are blocked by, parked and abandoned vehicles. In the northern parts of the USA and across Canada where these conditions are more common, most local authorities have permanently signed winter parking restrictions on key routes within urban areas, the general rule being parking is as marked except in snow emergencies.
The picture shows a typical sign for designating such routes. Examples of how the snow route system is implemented include:
Baltimore: Uses a three phase approach. At phase 1, drivers must use snow tyres or chains and are encouraged not to park on designated routes. Drivers not using snow tyres or chains are ticketed. At phase 2, parking on designated routes is prohibited, vehicles parked on routes in downtown are towed and impounded, whilst vehicles in other neighbourhoods are moved to designated facilities such as schools or recreational facilities. Drivers may also park in these designated areas. At phase 3, only emergency vehicles are allowed on city streets.
Boston: During declared snow emergencies, parking is prohibited on major arteries. Discounted parking is available at several car parks for cars with Boston Resident parking stickers. Standard parking charges apply from 2 hours after the snow emergency is lifted.
Minneapolis:When a snow emergency is declared, on Day 1 no parking is allowed from 9PM to 9AM on completely plowed and cleared snow emergency routes (SERs). On Day 2, no parking is allowed on the even-numbered side of non-SER streets between 8AM and 8PM. On Day 3 no parking is allowed on the odd-numbered side of non-SER streets during the same time period. Motorists ignoring the restrictions are ticketed and/or towed.
New York City: All arterial streets are snow emergency streets and all limited access expressways and parkways are snow emergency routes, some 250 in total. On these routes standing or parking a vehicle (including the use of parking meters) is prohibited and vehicles using the routes are required to use snow tyres or chains. Vehicles parked on snow emergency streets must be removed or are subject to ticketing and towing
Saskatoon: When a Snow Route Temporary Parking Ban is declared motorists have 8 hours to remove parked vehicles from a street on the Snow Route. Vehicles not moved within 8 hours are ticketed and towed to a street nearby or impounded. When required, a Snow Route Temporary Parking Ban will be in effect for 72 hours following the 8 hour notice to remove parked vehicles. Parking is permitted on a Snow Route street during a Snow Route Temporary Parking Ban after that street has been plowed. A Snow Route Temporary Parking Ban may be extended by another declaration, if required, due to additional snow accumulation.
Toronto: A snow emergency may be declared when a significant amount of snow falls within an eight hour period. During a snow emergency, it is illegal to park or stop on a snow route. A fine and towing may result. The declaration of a snow emergency will be publicized in the media. Snow emergencies remain in force for at least 72 hours but may be extended if required. During a snow emergency drivers are encouraged to leave their vehicles at home and to use public transport.
17th December 2010
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