Winter weather prompts parking ban powwow

Dec 7, 2016

With winter approaching, Selectmen will revisit possible changes to parking policy at the board’s next meeting.

In the meantime, Selectmen are seeking clarification on a request from Police Chief Kevin Walsh that would let officials cite residents who park cars on public roads during storms.

On Tuesday, Selectmen said they were unsure if the request would be allowed under existing regulations. The current policy states all vehicles must be removed from public ways one hour after a storm starts or be towed.

“It’s very possible that this ticketing authority is covered by an existing bylaw,” said town attorney Richard Bowen. “I’m suggesting the reason why this wasn’t included in the policy is because it’s already authorized.”

To be sure, Selectmen said research was needed to ensure the change is legal.

“Let’s hold it and bring it back next week once we do a little background research,” said Selectman Alan Slavin.

Another part of the policy, the emergency parking ban for Main Street during storms, required further discussion as well, said Selectman Patrick Tropeano.

“That’s going to kill those [businesses] on Main Street,” said Tropeano. “No one will be going into those places at all because the snow might have stopped, but the emergency is still going on.”

If there is a parking ban, it will be placed on the town’s website (www.wareham.ma.us) under Public Notices. Residents may also call the Municipal Maintenance Department at 508-295-5300 or the Wareham Police Department at 508-295-1212 to confirm whether a ban is in place.