Drivers should continue to follow posted parking signs
March 5, 2010 (MINNEAPOLIS) Effective immediately, Minneapolis has lifted the Winter Parking Restrictions that were put in place last month. The restrictions went into effect on Feb. 11 after snow accumulations narrowed many streets, making it difficult for fire trucks, ambulances, and other emergency vehicles to navigate in some neighborhoods. Limiting parking to one side of many city streets created more reliable access for emergency responses.
Our recent mild temperatures and sunnier days have melted snow along city streets, widening them far enough that the Fire Chief, Public Works officials, and other public safety officials have determined the restrictions can be lifted. With this melting, we are now seeing normal winter conditions on most city streets.
Beginning March 5, normal parking rules again apply on city streets, and drivers should continue to follow all posted signs. Signs restricting parking to one side of the street were posted along stretches of Bryant Avenue (from Lake to 50th streets) and Grand Avenue (from Lake to 48th streets), and those restrictions will remain in place until April 1 to allow transit access on those streets.
The public’s cooperation in following the restrictions greatly aided emergency responders in their work to serve folks in Minneapolis. During the time the parking restrictions were in place, Minneapolis Fire crews made more than 1,800 runs for emergency medical calls and fires—and crews were able gain better access on those runs because of the parking restrictions.
Although the Winter Parking Restrictions have been lifted, it is still possible to have additional Snow Emergencies this year. Drivers should be mindful of the normal Snow Emergency rules and procedures and check the City’s 348-SNOW hotline, the Web, or the many other Snow Emergency notification tools if we receive more snowfall.
