Providence expands snow parking options for overnight permit holders this winter
PROVIDENCE, RI — Mayor Brett P. Smiley announced today that the City of Providence is expanding snow ban parking locations this winter, giving neighbors more options to park during snowstorms. Parking on any street in Providence is prohibited overnight without a valid overnight parking permit. During declared snow emergencies, all neighbors, including permit holders, are required to move their vehicles off city streets.
“After hearing feedback from the community, we are expanding snow parking options to make winter in Providence safer and easier,” said Mayor Brett Smiley. “Overnight permit holders now have more locations to park during a snowstorm, helping to keep city streets clear. As winter continues, my Administration is prepared to respond effectively. I encourage all neighbors to plan ahead and use the expanded snow parking locations to help keep neighborhoods safe and streets clear.”
Since many Providence neighbors do not have access to off-street parking, Mayor Smiley is expanding snow parking options beginning this winter following a successful pilot program. Overnight permit holders will now be able to park at one of sixteen approved locations citywide. If there is not an approved location nearby, neighbors can use another approved site, including on-street locations adjacent to city parks, parking lots within city parks and select on-street locations on particularly wide streets.
Permit holders can move their vehicle to an approved location once a snow parking ban is announced. After the ban is lifted, neighbors have eight hours to move their vehicle from the approved location. Vehicles left past this grace period may be ticketed or towed to allow city plows to clear streets efficiently.
“Shoveling, deicing our cars, driving to work – Providence residents have enough to worry about during winter weather without having to add being towed or getting a parking ticket into the mix,” said Councilman Justin Roias (Ward 4). “This expansion takes the burden of figuring out where to park during a snow emergency off drivers’ shoulders and puts it on the city where it belongs.”
All snow parking rules are enforceable by the Providence Police Department. Parking is never allowed next to fire hydrants or in front of fire stations during snowstorms.
For a list of approved snow parking locations, visit the City’s website.