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New parking restrictions in effect in two St. Paul neighborhoods

St. Paul piloting new approach to snow emergencies
St. Paul piloting new approach to snow emergencies 02:10

ST. PAUL, Minn. — After complaints in recent years about how St. Paul deals with snow removal, the city is testing a new approach.

Several signs now alert residents of new parking restrictions in portions of St. Paul's Highland Park and Payne-Phalen neighborhoods, part of a pilot program meant to keep residential streets clear of snow all winter.

Here's how it works: One-side parking will alternate weekly depending on whether the week begins on an even or an odd number. On weeks beginning in an even number, you must park on the side of the street with even-numbered addresses.

On weeks beginning in an odd number, you must park on the side of the street with odd-numbered addresses. The only exception will be the week of April 6. During this week you must park on the side of the street with odd-numbered addresses.

Parking will be permitted on both sides of the streets on Sundays between 3 p.m. -9 p.m. Officials designated this time for people to move their vehicles to the other side of the street.

There are some exceptions, like on Montreal Avenue, where the rules only apply overnight.

The idea is to keep an open path for plows all season, instead of just for snow emergencies.

"Rather than the message of moving your car multiple times in a snow event, keep it where it should be legally parked. We can get into residential streets sooner, and we think we can do a better job of getting all the snow to the curb," said Sean Kershaw, director of public works for the city of St. Paul. 
    
Some residents in Payne-Phalen said they were unaware of the new rules, but those who did know about them said they were a good idea, so long as the rules were enforced.
    
In Highland Park, Pres Carljohn said he's not a fan.

"I think it's crazy. I mean, it doesn't make any sense. They're very confusing," said Carljohn.

The city is calling the first few weeks of this program the education phase. They will not start ticketing and towing until Feb. 17.

If all goes as planned, Kershaw said to expect to see more of the pilot program around the city.

"We'll test these this year, we'll learn from them, we'll talk to the residents, we'll talk to our plow drivers and what we anticipate is we will expand test areas next year, based on what we've learned this year," said Kershaw.

These parking rules will stay in place through April 12.

Click here for a street-by-street breakdown of who's impacted by the rules.

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