Newton Shortens Winter Parking Ban Amid Pandemic: What To Know

UPDATE: No Overnight Winter Parking Ban This Winter: Newton Mayor

NEWTON, MA — It's that time again. December is here, which means the all night parking ban is back, right? Well, not yet.

With many college students and family members home for the season because of the pandemic, the city is pushing back the ban a month and a half until Jan. 15.

Mayor Ruthann Fuller said the decision to hold off on banning overnight on-street winter parking was made in collaboration with Newton Police Interim Chief Howard Mintz, the Department of Public Works and Newton’s City Council leaders.

Should Newton get snow between now and Jan. 15, city officials may declare an Emergency Parking Ban for the duration of the storm and the cleanup.

"If so, we’ll get the word out," Fuller said in a statement, adding she planned to re-assess in early January to determine whether to push the ban back even longer.

For the past three or so decades, beginning Nov. 15 until April. 15 any car or truck parked on the street for more than 1 hour between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., could expect a ticket with a $25.00 fine - raised from $5 in 2014 in an effort to match fines by neighboring communities.

Then in 2019, the city council voted to shorten the ban by a month. It was set to begin Dec. 1 and be in effect until March 31.

Part of the reason for the winter ban has to do with how Newton's narrow streets, especially with cars and snow piled around makes it difficult for emergency vehicles to get through, city officials have said.

You can get a permit through the Newton Police Department, but the limited number of stickers are handed out on a first-come-first served basis.

In years past there have been efforts to repeal the ban. Residents have pointed out a ban during the winter days when there is no snow isn't fair to renters, who tend to be lower income, or those who don't have off-street parking or people who live far from a municipal lot.

Read more about Newton parking restrictions:

• You Don't Have To Pay That Parking Meter In Newton ...
• Newton Police To Begin Ticketing Again For These Parking Rules...

Got a tip? Patch reporter Jenna Fisher can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a press release you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how to post a press release, a column, event or opinion piece.