New Parking Rules Prohibits Parking on Sidewalks

Watertown residents, watch where you are parking your cars. If you leave your car tires up on a sidewalk you may have to pay a $50 fine.

In an effort to protect paving and grassy plantings along sidewalks, the Watertown Traffic Commission passed a new parking violation preventing people from parking on sidewalks.

The new rule, which was approved by Town Manager Michael Driscoll, allows police to ticket or in some cases tow cars parked on the sidewalk. The ticket would cost drivers $50, and can be given for parking on any sidewalk - improved or not. 

"This area is subject to damage by motorists who park on the grassy strips," the Traffic Commission wrote in the new rule. "Sidewalks are designed to withstand 2,000 lbs. of weight, and grass plantings are designed for water run-off."

The grassy areas can be damaged at any time of year, but are particularly vulnerable during the spring thaw or after heavy rains when they are saturated with water, the rule reads.

"Protecting the grassy areas abutting the sidewalks in Watertown will result in a greater appreciation for the appearance of Watertown's streets," the Traffic Commission wrote.