As if the recent snow emergencies haven't caused Minneapolis residents parking hassles, here come some more rules.
The city has instituted Winter Parking Restrictions, which means that nobody is allowed to park on the even side of residential streets until further notice. Those are non-Snow Emergency routes.
The snowier than average winter has caused snow to pile up on curbs and encroach onto the streets. In some cases the streets have become so narrow that passage has become difficult. Add parked cars to the mix, and officials worry that emergency vehicles could not get through if necessary.
Cars that are found in violation of the policy can be ticketed and towed.
In St. Louis Park, residents are being asked to restrict parking to the odd-side of the street. So far it is just voluntary. However, on some streets, mandatory winter parking rules have been enacted.
Letters were sent to about 1,200 property owners and residents and signs have been posted on some streets where the ban is mandatory.
The city has an interactive map where residents can check to see if a mandatory ban is in place on their block.
The map could change daily. "We are evaluating streets on a daily basis to see if additional streets need to be added," said Jamie Zwilling, a city spokesman.
