Town of Amherst Declares Parking Ban

Due to the forecasted weather, the Town of Amherst Department of Public Works is declaring a Town Parking Ban starting at 10:00 pm on Sunday, February 22 and remaining in effect until further notice.

Parking will be prohibited on all town streets and in most parking lots. Another announcement will be sent when the Town Parking Ban ends. 

During a declared parking ban, the following lots will remain available for parking: 

1. The lower level of the parking garage.
2. The town portion of the Pray Street Lot.
3. Northern row of the town N Pleasant St Lot (row closest to church only). 

Otherwise, vehicles will be ticketed and towed, at the owner’s expense. Any vehicles left parked in these designated parking areas after the parking ban is lifted are responsible to pay for parking. View a map of Amherst center parking.

Other Winter Weather Reminders

• Due to the anticipated duration and rate of snowfall, main roads will be prioritized. The Town is committed to addressing all public roads within Town, but please be advised that there may be several hours between plowing passes on less-traveled roads. 
• If possible, stay off the roads. If you must go out, please anticipate longer travel times, be aware of plow crews, potential road closures, and avoid downed power lines, poles, limbs, etc. 
• Property owners are responsible for clearing snow and ice from their sidewalks no later than 24 hours after the end of the precipitation. Learn more about sidewalk snow removal responsibilities and enforcement.
• Depending on storm conditions and equipment availability, the Department of Public Works may send a sidewalk plow around on major sidewalks to assist residents as a courtesy, however, this does not alleviate the owners of their obligation to maintain the sidewalk in a passable condition. 
• Owners are also encouraged to dig out their nearest fire hydrant. Please clear a 3-foot circle around the fire hydrant and clear a path from the fire hydrant to the street. 
• Enforcement of sidewalk clearing is done by Inspections Services. Any issues with sidewalks not being cleared can be reported online through the Property Complaint Form or by calling 413-259-3030. 
• If, in the unfortunate event, your mailbox or property is damaged during town plowing operations, please submit a Service Request through SeeClickFix within 48 hours of the damage so that we can assess it in a timely manner. Damage caused by a direct plow strike, not snow coming off the plow blade, will be considered for repair/replacement. 
• If you are experiencing an emergency, call 9-1-1. 
• Report or track power outages via Eversource.

Ways to Stay Informed

• Watch for the flashing blue lights over major intersections in Town. When these lights are flashing, there is an active parking ban in place.  
• Sign up for Parking Ban alerts in your language of choice by subscribing here or texting the word “Parking” to 38276 from your mobile device. 
• Visit the town website (www.amherstma.gov) to stay up-to-date on the latest announcements, news, and alerts.  
• Follow the town on social media (Facebook & Instagram). 
• Call (413) 259-3005 and listen to the recording to hear whether or not there is an active parking ban in place.