Residents of Keene are reminded of an overnight parking restriction in anticipation of a winter storm. This regulation will be implemented on Saturday from 12 a.m. to 8 a.m., affecting all on-street parking as well as paid parking areas. However, the parking lots located on Commercial Street and Wells Street will be available for overnight use.

The motivation behind the parking ban stems from the need for efficient snow clearance and maintenance of the streets. The public works director typically enforces such overnight bans prior to an anticipated snow event. Specific streets may also be subject to additional restrictions even outside of the winter months for various maintenance activities, such as leaf collection.

The city has formulated this parking system as a replacement for the previous system that prohibited overnight parking from November 1 to April 30. The new rule was established after the last winter season to enhance snow removal efforts.

To remain informed, residents are encouraged to register for email and text notifications about parking bans through the city’s website. The city has designated several municipal lots where parking is permitted during these bans including the Elm Street lot, Gilbo East lot, Commercial Lot, and Wells Street lot. Each lot has specific days designated for overnight parking, and drivers should make sure to avoid any reserved spots in those areas. Fines or towing are possible consequences for vehicles parked in violation of the overnight ban, which generally lasts from midnight to the next morning.