PORTLAND, Maine – A citywide parking ban for the City of Portland has been declared beginning at 10:00 PM tonight, January 2nd and ending 6 am Friday, January 3rd.
According to the current forecast, a prolonged period of winter weather starting late tonight and continuing into Friday morning is expected. The city of Portland is anticipating heavy snowfall…blowing and drifting snow…very low wind chill values as well as the potential for coastal flooding.
With forecasted winds of between 12-28 mph, and gusts as high as 40 mph, the city of Portland cautions travelers as the blowing and drifting snow will present significant reduced visibility. Additionally, wind speed and extreme low temperatures will produce dangerously cold conditions. Drivers are asked to proceed with caution and consider minimizing non -essential trips during this time.
The parking ban has been declared so that Public Services crews can continue to clear and remove existing and forecasted snow. The city of Portland will continue to monitor the storm and will evaluate the need for additional parking bans over the next two days.
Vehicles left on the street during a ban will be towed at the owner’s expense (tow fee - $85, impound fee - $35, ticket cost - $30 and all outstanding tickets must be paid. Vehicles not claimed within 24 hours will be charged $25 storage fee per day). Vehicles will be towed to the city’s impound lot located at the Ocean Gateway International Marine Terminal at 40 Commercial Street (phone number 774-3025). At the end of the day following a parking ban, unclaimed vehicles will be towed to private tow company lots, and storage fees of $25 per day will accrue. There is an additional $25 after hours fee for vehicles picked up between 7 pm and 7 am.
There are a number of places people can park at no charge during a parking ban including. Some are new or revised so please review the following list carefully:
Deering Oaks – on the left hand side of Tennis Court Road only
State Street gravel lot – abutting Deering Oaks
Fitzpatrick Stadium parking lot
Hadlock Field parking lot
All Portland Public School lots EXCEPT the lots at Reiche School which abut the school and playground and Adult Ed at the former Cathedral lot
Parking lots on Munjoy formerly known as the Adams School
Cutter Street lots (off the Eastern Prom) Beach Street lot accessible from Commercial Street. (Available after 8pm tonight)
Lot across the street from the International Marine Terminal on Commercial Street (corner of Park and Commercial Streets)
On Peaks Island, parking is available at the Welch Street parking lot and St. Christopher's Church parking lot on Central Avenue
Western Promenade - Bowdoin Street to West Street (waterside) (See link - designated area in red.)http://www.portlandmaine.gov/maps/westernpromonstreetsnowbanparking.pdf
Eastern Promenade - Turner Street to East End School to street light pole # 33 (waterside)
Marginal Way – Plowman Street to just before the entrance area to the East End Waste Water Treatment Plant. (waterside) (See link - designated area in red.) http://www.portlandmaine.gov/maps/easternprommarginalwayonstreetsnowbanparking.pdf
Many parking garages in the area are open for parking bans at reduced rates – check with individual garages for rates and hours. The City of Portland Elm Street and Spring Street Parking Garages allow for a winter parking rate of $3 and vehicles need to be in by 5pm and out before 8am. For a complete list of city-owned and privately operated parking garages, visit the city’s website at http://www.portlandmaine.gov/parking/offstreet.asp.
Vehicles can begin to park in these designated areas at 5:00 PM tonight. Due to storm forecast information at this time, Vehicles must be moved from the city lots by 7 am, Friday, January 3th.
Residents and visitors to the city can sign up online at www.portlandmaine.gov to receive email notices from the city when a city-wide parking ban is implemented. Citizens can also get parking ban updates by either becoming a fan of Portland Cityline on Facebook or a follower of PortlandCitylin on Twitter. Citizens can call the parking ban hotline at 879-0300 or check the Time and Temperature sign for up-to-date postings.
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