Nahant winter parking ban starts next week

NAHANT – The winter parking ban goes into effect next week and residents are urged to get their winter parking stickers now.Police Lt. Thomas F. Hutton said the waiver program, which was started a decade ago, has been successful because it allows residents a place to park during non-snow emergencies, but it ensures streets are clear of vehicles during snow emergencies.Hutton said the ban prohibits cars from parking on the street between midnight and 6 a.m. from Dec. 21 through March 20 unless the vehicle has a current winter parking ban waiver affixed to it.The waiver program allows residents who do not have adequate off-street parking to apply for a permit that, if approved, would allow them to park on the street during the winter months except during a snow emergency or snowfall.Nahant residents who do not have adequate off-street parking and would like a waiver must apply in person at the Nahant Police Department between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. In order to qualify for a waiver, all vehicles at the residence must be registered to that address. There is a $30 fee to apply.According to police, if there are two vehicles registered to an address that has only has one off-street parking space, the homeowner could qualify for one waiver.Residents may apply in person for an on-street parking waiver at the Nahant police station.?Very, very few applications for a waiver are denied,” Hutton said. “Once again, it’s all about public safety.”If a snow emergency is declared, all cars including those with winter parking waivers must be removed from the street. According to Hutton, any vehicle remaining on the street during a snow emergency is subject to being ticketed and towed.