HOULTON, Maine — Now that the first snow of the season has come and gone, Houlton public officials are reminding motorists of the town’s winter parking ban.
“As we know, for many reason, parking and snow removal go hand in hand to insure our streets, sidewalks and public parking areas are kept clear from ice and snow,” said Houlton Public Works Director Chris Stewart. “We would like to bring a friendly reminder to our community regarding winter parking, snow removal and maintenance.”
“From Nov. 1 until April 1, it is unlawful to park any motor vehicle on any street or public way and on any municipally owned property within the town between the hours of 12 a.m. (midnight) and 6 a.m.,” added Houlton Police Chief Tim DeLuca.
The town has a two-hour restriction for parking between the hours of 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. for most spaces in the downtown area. Overnight parking is not allowed on town streets and is only permitted in certain municipal parking lots.
Stewart also reminds residents that it is illegal to plow snow onto the street or onto sidewalks for the municipal crew to clear.
Downtown business district owners are asked to remove ice and snow from the sidewalks in required areas in front of their establishments.
Those who park in the public parking lots at Water and Mechanic streets must move their vehicles after a snow event so that snow can be removed. Once snow removal is complete, vehicles can be returned.
“Keeping these requirements in mind will help with safety for the community,” Chief DeLuca said. “We would rather have everyone working together than to take enforcement action.”
