Snow parking rules in effect Dec. 1

The City of Evanston reminds community members that street cleaning ends on November 30, and snow parking regulations go into effect on December 1.

The City will use its emergency sirens this year to announce any snow emergency parking regulations.

Five basic guidelines necessary for community members to follow in order to endure the upcoming winter season include:

• Anticipate parking bans and emergencies;
• Don’t park on the Snow Routes at night;
• During a Snow Emergency, park on the proper sides of residential streets between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m.;
• Clear your sidewalks of snow and ice; and
• Clear parking lots and driveways for which you are responsible, without pushing snow into adjacent streets, alleys or sidewalks.

The community members can check whether snow parking rules are in effect by:

• Calling 847-864-SNOW;
• Watching Cable Channel 16;
• Visiting the city website;
• Listening to the city radio station WPXZ-497 AM Radio 1650;
• Subscribing to the city's e-mail notification service.

Residents with questions or requests about snow removal should call the Division of Streets and Sanitation, (847) 866-2940.

During a snow route parking ban, main thoroughfares, or Snow Routes, are cleared first. Permanent red, white and blue signs are posted to indicate that parking is illegal on these streets between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m. after the accumulation of at least two inches of snow.

Sirens will sound at 8:15 p.m. on nights when snow route parking bans are in effect. Even if plows have been through, snow removal operations may require return visits by city trucks. The fine for violating the snow route-parking ban is $50 plus towing and storage charges.

Snow route parking bans can be in effect for one night or more, depending on the snowfall. Community members moving cars to nearby side streets should be sure to follow the snow clearing regulations for that side street.

After an accumulation of four inches or more, a snow emergency may be declared. The City’s emergency sirens will sound at 7:15 a.m. and 12:15 p.m. on Snow Emergency days.