DPW reminder on overnight parking ban during snow storms

via Franklin Dept of Public Works (DPW)

These types of winter storms are some of the most difficult to plan and manage. Yesterday we were told by our weather service provider, that Franklin would get a coating to 1 inch of snow. We got 4 inches. Another difficult part is going forward over the next several days, the weather pattern is going from a warm period to a cold (very cold) period, so the roads will freeze up. The salt we used today is treated with Magnesium Chloride which melts ice down to 5 degrees. Unlike un-treated salt that only melts ice to 19 degrees, of course treated salt does cost more.

overnight parking ban during snow storms

Tomorrow will be overcast and the shortest day of the year, so we really can't count on radiational warming from the sun to help melt and dry the roadways. We were able to do a lite scaping of all the sideroads to open them up and push the slush to the side. This was done with our own Public Works employees, we did not call in contractors. With that said we did not fully clear all cul-da-sacs. Also all or our assigned sidewalks were plowed. Please reach out to us to let us know of any areas of concern. Remember to slow down there might be some icy spots out there.....

Being the first snow removal of the year, we would like to remind folks that during snow events between the hours of 1AM and 5AM it is against Town by-laws (Article 170) to park vehicles on the public right of way. Parking on the public right of way makes our job much more difficult during the snow removal, and also leaves snow in the road that can become a hazard and safety issue to your fellow residents.

Below more information about the by-law:

Article 170 Winter Storm and Overnight Parking Ban

The purpose of the winter storm overnight parking ban shall be to provide for the safe movement of police, fire and emergency medical service vehicles during snow and ice storms and otherwise provide for public safety during winter weather conditions. The parking ban shall also serve to enhance the capability of the Public Works Department to remove snow and ice from the roadways effectively and efficiently.

Activation of parking ban.

A winter storm overnight parking ban shall automatically take effect upon occurrence of any of the following:

Snow, sleet, or freezing rain has fallen, or is imminent.

The National Weather Service and/or local television and/or radio stations or other media are reporting commencement of snow, sleet, or freezing rain within the local area or are predicting that snow, sleet, or freezing rain will begin in Franklin within 12 hours.

Effect of parking ban.

The parking of any motor vehicle within the layout of the right-of-way of any public street or any roadway open to the public or on any municipally owned property is prohibited between the hours of 1:00 a.m. and 5:00 a.m. while a winter storm parking ban is in effect.

Violations and penalties.

Winter storm overnight parking ban violators shall be charged a fine of $25 for each offense.

In addition to the foregoing penalty or in lieu thereof, the Town may have the violator's vehicle towed and stored at the violator's expense.

For purposes of this section, the vehicle's registered owner and any permitted user shall be deemed a violator.

Effective time period.

This article shall be in effect from October 15 to April 15