Rockland overnight parking ban begins

Rockland's overnight parking ban has started.

The city ordinance prohibits vehicles from parking along city streets, lots or sidewalks from 2 to 6 a.m. from Dec. 1 through March 31. The ordinance is to prevent vehicles from being in the way of snow removal.

The city has the right under the local law to tow vehicles, at the owners' expense, that interfere with snow removal by parking in these areas during those overnight hours.

Residents can obtain a permit from the city clerk's office at 270 Park St. to allow them to park their vehicles at either the city-owned parking lot in the rear of the Thorndike complex, Buoy Park parking lot or at Harbor Park from 9 p.m. to 7 a.m.

The fee costs $25 annually.

The cost of a ticket for violating the ordinance is $10, and $20 if you don't pay within 30 days.