City's winter parking rules now in effect

Patrick Fisher, Staff Writer

The snowfall on Friday, Nov. 7, was a reminder that winter is on its way. It also marked the first week of New Prague's winter parking rules being in effect.

The city ordinance is in effect until April 1 and applies to autos, trailers, boats, snowmobiles and recreational vehicles. The vehicles are not to be left or parked on streets, city-owned parking lots or alleys from 2 a.m. to 5 a.m. or during a time when the National Weather Service has forecasted two inches or more of snow until the streets or alleys have been plowed from curb to curb.

New Prague Police Chief Mark Vosejpka noted during that first week (Saturday, Nov. 1, to November 7) officers handed out 39 citations. Last year police issued 312 tickets during the time the law was in effect.

Chief Vosejpka said residents were notified about the ordinance as it was published twice in The Times and The Extra, a notification was sent out in the city's newsletter and city officers placed 300 leaflets on vehicles.

Besides a citation, residents may find their vehicles towed at their own expense.

Residents can file with the police department for a variance allowing them to park on the street. However, those applying for the variance must show a hardship. The city will consider each application on an individual basis.