NORTH READING — Winter doesn’t officially begin until Dec. 21, but the weather doesn’t respect the calendar and the town’s Department of Public Works has already had to plow the streets once, on Thanksgiving eve. Residents are reminded that overnight parking is prohibited on town streets from now until April 15.
These are the relevant bylaws:
Parking restrictions
A. No vehicles shall park in public rights–of–way between the periods of Nov. 15 and April 15 from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. other than acting in an emergency.
B. During snow operation/emergencies, parking in public rights–of–way shall be prohibited at all times.
Removal of vehicles
The Director of Public Works, for the purpose of removing or plowing snow or removing ice from any way within the limits of the town and from town parking areas and from any other land owned or used by the town, may remove or cause to be removed to some public garage or other convenient place, any vehicle parked upon such highway, parking area or land and interfering with such work and the storage charges and other such cost of such removal shall be borne and paid by the owner of the vehicle.
Mailboxes
Mailboxes installed in the town right–of–way are placed at the owner’s risk. The town will reimburse up to $50 for the repair or replacement of mailboxes damaged during snow removal providing the town accepts any claim of such damage. It will be the responsibility of the home owner to make any repairs or new installation.
Impediments
Any unauthorized structure which is in the right–of–way and is damaged by any snow plowing, sanding, or removal activity shall be the responsibility of the home owners. Further, if such impediments are left in the right of way during the winter parking ban season, the town may remove it without notification and shall not be responsible for the outcome of its condition.
For more information, contact the Department of Public Works at 978–664–6060.
