Worcester Parking Ban Starts As Snow Arrives

WORCESTER, MA — Worcester car owners beware: a citywide parking ban will be in effect starting midnight Monday.

The ban means parking is only permitted on the odd side of most side streets and Worcester, and is banned completely along main arteries, bus routes and in the downtown area. Worcester typically lifts parking bans after snow stops falling and streets have been mostly cleared.

For residents without driveways, all municipal parking garages will be free beginning 6 p.m. Monday and lasting through the end of the ban. Anyone who violates the ban might get ticketed or towed.

Another snow reminder for residents: city law requires property owners to clear sidewalks adjacent to their properties. The city can levy fines of $75 per day for property owners who disobey

"Worcester’s ordinance states sidewalks must be cleared with a 4-foot wide path for safe pedestrian travel within 10 hours after snow ceases to fall. Also, clear ramps at corners that abut your property," the city says.

Worcester could see 6 to 8 inches of snow by the end of the day Tuesday. The snow likely won't stick around for long: temperatures could get as high as the mid-40s on Wednesday and Thursday, according to forecasts.