With heavy snow forecasted this weekend, the City of Rochester is reminding motorists about winter parking bans.

Rochester follows an “as-needed” winter parking ban policy.  If a parking ban is needed for snow plowing or snow cleanup, a citywide parking ban or a downtown winter parking ban will be declared.

According to Police Chief Gary Boudreau, any unauthorized vehicle parking on a city street during a parking ban will be towed at the owner’s expense.

“In the past, our policy has been to try and make every effort to contact owners before they’re towed,” said Boudreau. “Unfortunately, this process is not conducive to snow removal operations. Going forward, we will not be attempting to contact vehicle owners and will be towing vehicles.”

Notifications for parking bans and urgent alerts are posted to the city’s website, www.RochesterNH.net. Click here to sign up for free email notifications. Be sure to check the boxes for all ‘Urgent Alert Updates’ and News or Announcements Updates.

Residents needing a parking exemption are encouraged to apply in person at the Police Department or by calling (603) 330-7127.