Sarah Hartley helps students cross the street near a school in Racine, Wisconsin. (AP Photo/Journal Times, Mark Hertzberg)

Winter Brings with it Parking and Other Troubles 

Winter is here. That means snow, cold, and, yes, parking changes.

Cities across the state restrict parking during the winter months.

In Milwaukee, there is no overnight parking on highways or bus routes from December 1 to March 1. Side streets also have winter rules. People can park overnight on only certain sides of the street.

“Snow emergencies” also cause parking problems. When it snows a lot, parking on major streets is not allowed.

Violators could receive parking tickets. Or, the city may tow illegally parked cars.

“Anytime a vehicle is thought to be a traffic hazard, it could be towed,” Fond du Lac Police Department Captain Mike Frank told The Reporter newspaper.

Sound complicated? It is. A lot depends on where you live.

In Madison and Fond du Lac, for instance, parking restrictions run from November 15 to March 15. In Kenosha, restrictions run from December 1 to April 1. For more information, call your city hall.

In Milwaukee, visit www.milwaukee.gov. Check for information on your street there. Also, find out which Milwaukee Public Schools allow parking during snowstorms.

Garbage pickup affected

The parking restrictions help get streets plowed. Plows have trouble getting around parked cars. It can take 12 to 18 hours to plow after a snowstorm.

Garbage trucks are often used as snowplows. That means garbage collection may be delayed during a snowstorm. Also, there is no garbage collection in Milwaukee when it is minus ten (-10) degrees or lower at 6 a.m.

Winter also means snow shoveling.

Many cities require people to shovel their sidewalks promptly. If they do not, the city may clear it for them. They then charge homeowners on their property tax bills.

Residents should also shovel out fire hydrants. It allows the fire department easy access if there is a fire.

Sources: City of Milwaukee, City of Madison, City of Kenosha, Fond du Lac Reporter