Watertown Shortens Winter Parking Ban to Two Months; Snow-Emergency Fines Jump to $100
WATERTOWN – The Watertown City Council has approved a temporary change to the city’s longstanding winter parking rules, shortening the overnight ban to just two months for the 2026 season.
Effective Jan. 1 through March 1, the updated policy aims to provide relief during December’s heavy travel and school vacation weeks, while maintaining safety during the peak of winter.
City Manager George Proakis said the move allows the city to gather data as it continues a broader curb use and parking study.
Alongside the shortened ban, councilors unanimously approved raising snow-emergency fines from $25 to up to $100, citing enforcement challenges and safety concerns. The standard $15 overnight parking ticket remains unchanged for now but may be reviewed.
Officials say public outreach is key to ensuring residents are aware of the changes. The new policy and higher fines take effect Jan. 1, with snow-emergency fines activated upon the city manager’s approval.
Recent Stories
-
WCA-TV’s Youth Workshop is Back This Summer!

WCA-TV is excited to welcome back our Youth Film Workshop, a hands-on summer program designed for aspiring filmmakers, actors, and content creators! This two-week workshop is completely free thanks to generous support from the Watertown Cultural Council, with additional support from the Mass Cultural Council. Program Overview Participants will learn the building blocks of video…
-
Watertown Unveils Demonstration Project Plan For Square Redevelopment

WATERTOWN – City Manager George Proakis presented a new “Demonstration Project” for Watertown Square during a packed community meeting at the Watertown Free Public Library on Monday night. City Manager George Proakis outlined a proposal focused on the municipal parking lot behind CVS and surrounding parcels, which could be transformed into a mixed-use development featuring…
-
Watertown’s Eco Fest Returns With Hands-On Sustainability Activities

WATERTOWN – Watertown is gearing up for the return of EcoFest, a community-focused sustainability event designed to connect residents with practical ways to live more environmentally friendly. The second annual EcoFest will take place on May 9 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Commander’s Mansion. The event brings together local organizations, businesses, and…
Watertown Cable Access Corp
