Whitby drivers take note: parking on the street overnight is not allowed right now, even when the roads are dry and there is no snow in the forecast.
According to a Town of Whitby news release, the municipality's overnight parking restriction is in effect every night from November 1 to April 15, between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m. The rule does not depend on the weather — it applies whether snow is falling, expected or nowhere in sight.
The reason, the Town said, is to give winter maintenance crews room to work. Vehicles left on the road overnight can make it harder for plows and other equipment to clear snow and ice effectively, and the overnight restriction helps crews clear roads safely, efficiently and prepare ahead of snow events.
The reminder is part of the Town's "Facts. Not Fiction" series, which aims to correct misinformation circulating online about how municipal services work — in this case, the mistaken belief that the parking restriction only kicks in when it snows.
Free permits for guests and contractors
Residents who occasionally need on-street parking overnight — for guests, contractors or other infrequent visitors — can apply for a free Short-Term On-Street Parking Permit, according to the Town of Whitby.
There is a catch for anyone leaving it to the last minute: the Town says initial account approval can take up to five days.
Other winter rules to keep in mind
Vehicles must never overhang the sidewalk or the bottom of the driveway, the Town said — a rule that matters most in winter, when sidewalk plows may need access.
Residents can also help crews by moving vehicles off the road during snow events, keeping sidewalks clear, and avoiding pushing snow from their driveways onto the street.
Full details on parking rules, restrictions and permits are available on the Town's parking page, and information on how roads, sidewalks and trails are cleared is on the Town's snow clearing page.
The bottom line for Whitby households: between November 1 and April 15, your vehicle needs to be off the street from 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. every night — clear skies or snowstorm.
