Tolland 's 'Winter Rules' Are In Full Effect

TOLLAND, CT — Tolland's winter rules are in full effect.

The overnight parking ban for the cold weather months began Nov. 1. Overnight parking is not allowed on public streets or in municipal parking lots between midnight and 6 a.m. until April 15.

"Parked vehicles are the biggest obstacles to effective snow removal," town officials said.

The town council, the town manager or the town manager's "designated representative" may also declare a parking ban if a "significant snow event is forecast or in progress," according to the rules.

Residents are being asked to check mailboxes so that they are in "good repair," firmly attached to a solid post and "properly placed" so no part of them are on pavement.

"Your mailbox will have to withstand countless tons of flying snow this winter and it may require periodic maintenance," town officials said. "If a mailbox or post is pushed over or damaged as a result of snow or slush coming off a snowplow, it is considered a winter hazard and the town will not repair or replace the mailbox or post."

The height of the bottom of a mailbox to the street should be between 42 and 48 inches and the mailbox door should be 6 to 8 inches from the front face of the curb or road edge, officials said.

Portable basketball hoops should not be within "the town right-of-way," officials said. Damaged hoops are not the responsibility of the town if they are in the road, officials said.

A town ordinance dictates that property owners and occupants are responsible for the removal snow, sleet and ice from "public sidewalks" abutting their properties. The must be cleared within 24 hours after a storm has concluded, officials said.

Failure to comply with this ordinance may result in a fine, officials said.

The same goes for fire hydrants, officials said, an an ordinance requires a 4-foot area to be carved in all directions around the hydrant and a 3-foot wide path from the street to the fire hydrant.

A town ordinance prohibits shoveling, blowing, or plowing snow from a driveway into or across a road.

"It is a violation to push snow into the street and you may be held liable if this snow causes an accident. Remember, you are also responsible for the actions of your contractor," town officials said.

Catch basins grates should be free of leaves and other debris, officials said.