For Immediate Release: 11/28/2022 1:35 pm
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: 11/28/22
MEDIA CONTACT: Amy Peterson, PetersonA@worcesterma.gov, 508-799-1175 X31317
Permanent Winter Parking Ban To Go Into Effect Dec 1.
Worcester 311 Replaces DPW&P Customer Service as 24-Hour Service
WORCESTER, MA – The Department of Public Works and Parks (DPW&P) has announced that the City’s Permanent Winter Parking Ban will go into effect on Thursday, December 1 and remain through Sunday, April 30. The Permanent Winter Parking Ban applies to emergency arteries, WRTA bus routes, and streets that are critical to the flow of traffic. There is no parking on one or both sides of affected street between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. and any time a snow emergency is declared.
In addition to the Permanent Winter Parking Ban, a Declared Winter Parking Ban will go into effect on all other city streets whenever accumulating snow is forecast. When a declared ban is in effect, restrictions apply that typically allow parking on one side of the street, and municipal parking garages will be free to use until 10 a.m. the day following the ban’s lifting. Parking enforcement—including ticketing and towing—will be active during a Declared Ban, as adherence to parking bans is critical to allow City crews to keep roadways clear and safe.
For more details about Worcester’s Winter Parking Bans and affected streets, please visit worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/winter-parking. Residents can sign up for parking ban notifications through ALERTWorcester, and live updates will be posted on Government Access Channel – Spectrum 192 and the Worcester 311 social media channels: twitter.com/worcester311 and facebook.com/worcester311.
DPW&P manages roadway snow removal and pre-treats roadway surfaces before a winter storm based on forecast conditions. When a snowstorm begins, DPW&P will sand and/or salt the main roads and bus routes, and plowing will commence when snow accumulates one inch. Once snowfall has stopped and plowing is winding down, salt trucks begin post-storm salting on main streets and bus routes; residential streets are treated as needed based on post-storm conditions. The City is hiring snow plows and other equipment for the upcoming winter season. For more information and details about street plowing, visit worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/street-plowing.
Residential and business property owners are reminded of their responsibility for removal of snow and ice from sidewalks, curb ramps at crosswalks and intersections, driveways, walkways, stairways, fire escapes, and exits. The City also asks for assistance in clearing snow from fire hydrants and catch basins. Shoveling, plowing, or snow blowing the snow back into the street when clearing driveways and sidewalks is prohibited. The fine for failing to comply with the City's sidewalk snow removal ordinance is $75 and $100 for pushing snow back into the street.
Seniors, individuals with disabilities, and others requiring assistance with snow removal can contact Worcester 311 for a list of agencies that may be able to help by dialing 3-1-1, emailing 311@worcesterma.gov or by submitting an online form at worcesterma.gov/311.
For additional details about City snow removal policies and enforcement, as well as resources for requesting assistance, filing a complaint, and winter sand locations, please visit worcesterma.gov/streets/winter-weather/snow-removal.
Worcester’s DPW&P Customer Service Department has been relaunched as Worcester 311 to create one centralized communications system for all non-emergency questions and information. As a result, the social media accounts for DPW&P and Emergency Communications and Emergency Management have been transitioned to the Worcester 311 Twitter (twitter.com/worcester311) and Facebook (facebook.com/worcester311) accounts.
For any non-emergency service requests and questions, residents are advised to dial 3-1-1, email 311@worcesterma.gov, visit worcesterma.gov/311. Live operators are available Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., but may be extended during winter storms or other City emergencies. A mobile application is under development which will feature virtual agents and reporting 24 hours a day. This brand new technology is an interdepartmental initiative between DPW&P, Emergency Management, and the Technical Services Department. Additional features will be available as the technology adapts to user-generated requests.
For a public safety or medical emergency, please call 911.
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