Boston’s snow emergency ends, space savers must go by Wednesday morning

BOSTON — It was the second-biggest January storm in Boston history. At 6 a.m. Monday, the snow emergency and parking ban were lifted. That means the clock is ticking on those coveted space savers in many Boston neighborhoods.

Boston’s snow emergency and parking ban has been lifted. The streets are narrow, so please be careful with kids going back to school today! @boston25 pic.twitter.com/KR6OXKRkeI
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) January 31, 2022

There were a few different scenarios in Boston neighborhoods Monday morning. Those who still haven’t dug out and their cars are packed in with snow.

Then there were some digging out before work. Others had already cleared their cars Sunday and had their coveted space savers out. But the clock is ticking. The chairs, cones, or whatever object placed in the shoveled-out parking spot will have to go in two days.

After Saturday’s blizzard dumped nearly two feet of snow on the city, people were eager to get out the next day and shovel their spots. The city allows space savers, except in the South End. But the savers will have to go by Wednesday at 6 a.m., anything after that is fair game, or public works can throw it out.

Space savers that violate the rules can be thrown out by Boston Public Works. People who live in the city know the rules well and went out Sunday digging out and claiming their spot.

SPACE SAVERS: Boston residents (except in the South End where they aren’t allowed) have until Wednesday at 6 am to use them. @boston25 pic.twitter.com/ZN6Q1NLn9m
— Kelly Sullivan (@ksullivannews) January 31, 2022

A Southie woman who has lived in the neighborhood for three years told Boston 25 News this is the first major storm she’s had to dig herself out. She’s quickly learning the rules about space savers and realizing it’s tough to clear your car with this much snow.

“I flew in last night, landed at 3 a.m., and had to go to work this morning, so I’m doing it as fast as I can,” said Sally Snickenberger, who was digging out early Monday morning. “It’s not that heavy. No, it’s just a lot with nowhere to put it.”

Boston Public Schools were open Monday, which means a tight squeeze for busses. The snowbanks in some neighborhoods were high, making it tough to see. The streets and sidewalks in some neighborhoods are narrow and tough to navigate, which is why officials are asking people to take it slow and be careful on the roads.