New Winter Parking Rules - Questions and Answers
When do the new rules start?
The new rules are in effect now. Overnight, on-street parking is no longer banned every day between November and April like it was in previous years. It will only be banned when inclement weather is forecast and a Winter Weather Parking Ban notice has been issued by the Public Works Department.
When can I park on the street overnight, and when can I not park on the street overnight?
Vehicles may park on the street overnight (in areas where it is not otherwise prohibited) until the Public Works Department issues a notice that on-street parking will be banned due to forecasted inclement weather. The notices will be issued at least six hours in advance and will include the start time and date. After snow clearing operations are complete, the Public Works Department will issue a notice lifting the ban so vehicles may be parked on the street again.
How can I sign up to get notices when on-street parking is banned, and where will the information be posted?
There are email and text (SMS) messaging lists people can sign up for to receive winter parking ban notices electronically. The www.KeeneNH.gov/snow web page will also always display the current winter parking status, and City social media posts will be published to notify the public of parking ban status.
- www.KeeneNH.gov/subscribe - sign up to receive winter parking ban emails and text messages
- www.KeeneNH.gov/snow - web page to view current parking ban status
- www.facebook.com/CityKeene - Facebook posts including parking ban updates
- www.instagram.com/city_of_keene/ - Instagram posts including parking ban updates
- Digital message boards – used in key, high-traffic locations when possible to communicate winter weather parking ban information
Where can I park my vehicle during a winter weather parking ban?
Certain City parking lots will be open to the public for overnight parking. Maps showing which lots are available on which days/nights are posted online and linked from the KeeneNH.gov/snow web page. *Please be careful to park only in public spaces in the parking lots and look for signage that identifies/restricts reserved spaces. Each lot must be cleared of snow, so the specific lots that are available to the public overnight rotate to accommodate both public parking needs and snow removal operations.
What if my car gets towed? How do I get it back?
Call (603) 357-9813. After people have had time to learn about the new winter parking rules, vehicles parked in the street during a parking ban may be ticketed. Towing will not be a primary means to facilitate plowing operations, but it is a possibility in some cases.
What will happen if a vehicle is left parked on the street during a parking ban?
Vehicles left in on-street parking spaces will likely be covered with snow and other debris that is plowed out of the roadway. Vehicles may also be ticketed. Towing will not be a primary means to facilitate plowing operations, but it is a possibility in some cases. Vehicle owners will be responsible for digging out their cars, paying for tickets, and retrieving towed vehicles.
Can I run out to my car when I see the plow truck coming, move my car out of the way, and then return my vehicle to parking in the street?
No. Plow routes, storm intensity, variety and volume of precipitation, and road treatment operations involve more than a pass or two with a snowplow, and safety is a priority. When the ban is in effect, no on-street parking is allowed at any time until the ban is lifted.
Contact: Keene Public Works, (603) 352-6550