Continuing mechanical street cleaning in the North End is a must, but tagging and towing vehicles after the cleaning vehicle has already done the job is ridiculous and uncalled for.
Residents typically have a four hour window to move their vehicles before the street cleaning begins or risk getting ticketed ($40) towed ($35) plus $3 per mile to the yard and $32 per hour for the labor.
Reportedly, contractors are towing cars hours before street cleaners arrive and even after they have already passed, confusing residents on when to park.
Apparently, contractors are towing indiscriminately within the entire 4 to 5 hour window time frame.
The Boston Municipal Research Bureau feels “The more important issue is being consistent and reasonable in what hours you can’t park on the street, followed up by a street sweeping and towing program that follows.”
Obviously, tagging and towing is a part of getting the streets cleaned effectively. Signs are clearly posted and residents are clearly aware of the program, but issuing penalties several hours before the mechanical street cleaner is even on the street, needs a little more lead way.
Maybe they should begin towing and tagging when the street cleaner is on route to the next street, giving residents a little more time to move vehicles.
However, tagging, and towing after the area has been cleaned, even during the restricted hours, needs to be addressed and resolved quickly.
When you think about it, it doesn’t make any sense, the street is already clean, so what’s the problem.
While the Review favors mechanical street cleaning, residents need some kind of a break before and especially following streets that have already been cleaned.