City of Rochester
News Release
(Monday, Jan. 31, 2022)—Snowbound vehicles that have not been moved since the Jan. 17 snow event remain parked on city streets. Owners are being urged to move these vehicles now to facilitate snow removal operations in anticipation of the forecasted snow storm later this week. Snowbound vehicles that are not moved before Wednesday will be towed.
The National Weather Service has issued a Winter Storm Watch for Wednesday, Feb. 2 through Friday, Feb. 4, forecasting possible heavy snow accumulations of 9 inches or more for all of western and north central New York. Travel could become very difficult to impossible and hazardous conditions could impact the morning and/or evening commutes.
The City will attempt to relocate towed vehicles to nearby streets. However, if relocation is not possible, the City will have vehicles towed to the City’s Auto Impound Lot on Colfax Street and towing and storage fees will be imposed.
“Maintaining public safety and ensuring our streets are passable for emergency vehicles is our first priority,” said Karen St. Aubin, the City’s Director of Operations. “This ultimately may necessitate the towing of vehicles that are not moved. If your car has been towed, call 311 for further information.”
The City is also reminding private snow plow contractors, motorists and residents of the following regulations designed to ensure public safety and the efficient removal of snow:
- It is a violation of City Code to place snow in the public right-of-way. Do not shovel or plow snow from driveways or parking lots into streets or sidewalks.
- Residents are asked to cooperate with the City in its snow removal efforts by clearing fire hydrants and sidewalks, and giving City plows plenty of space to do their jobs.
- Do not block sidewalks by parking a vehicle in a driveway across a sidewalk. Adhere to all parking regulations and do not double park or park facing the wrong side of street.
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