Connecticut Towns Report High Compliance with Winter Storm Parking Bans

Hundreds of cars towed or ticketed, but most people followed the rules during Winter Storm Benjamin cleanup efforts.

Jan. 27, 2026 at 8:07pm

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Across Connecticut, towns and police departments reported high compliance with parking bans and snow removal requirements during the cleanup efforts after Winter Storm Benjamin. While hundreds of cars were towed or ticketed, most places said the majority of people followed the rules, allowing plows to clear roads more efficiently.

Why it matters

Proper snow removal and clearing of roads is critical during major winter storms to allow emergency vehicles, plows, and other essential services to operate safely. High compliance with parking bans and sidewalk clearing mandates helps speed up the cleanup process and reduces the risk of accidents or obstructions.

The details

In Hartford, 417 cars were towed for violating the parking ban and 152 cars were towed from school lots, but police said this was higher compliance than normal. Middletown issued 69 parking ban citations, Torrington responded to 11 parking complaints and towed 2 cars, and New London issued 173 tickets and towed 14 cars. South Windsor only gave 5 verbal warnings. Bristol's mayor explained they will clear sidewalks and bill homeowners if they don't do it themselves.

  • Winter Storm Benjamin pummeled Connecticut on January 27, 2026.

The players

Hartford Police Department

The police department in Hartford, Connecticut that reported high compliance with parking bans during the winter storm cleanup efforts.

Middletown Police Department

The police department in Middletown, Connecticut that issued 69 parking ban citations during the winter storm.

Torrington Police Department

The police department in Torrington, Connecticut that responded to 11 parking complaints and towed 2 cars during the winter storm.

New London Police Department

The police department in New London, Connecticut that issued 173 tickets and towed 14 cars for violating the parking ban.

Ellen Zoppo-Sassu

The mayor of Bristol, Connecticut who explained the city's policy of clearing sidewalks and billing homeowners if they don't do it themselves.

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What they’re saying

“If someone does not clear their sidewalks within the allotted time, they are subject to the public works crew coming out and clearing it for them and sending them a bill.”

— Ellen Zoppo-Sassu, Mayor of Bristol

The takeaway

While winter storm cleanup efforts can be challenging, the high compliance with parking bans and snow removal requirements across Connecticut towns shows that most residents are willing to do their part to help clear roads and sidewalks efficiently. This cooperation between local governments and the community is critical for ensuring public safety and restoring normal operations after major winter weather events.