FRAMINGHAM, MA - New parking regulations based on findings and recommendations by the Framingham Traffic and Roadway Safety Committee, (TRSC), and approved by the Framingham Board of Selectman have significant implications for those who want to, or need to park "on street" in Framingham.

Framingham's new parking signs take a bit of reading. This one is at motorist eye-level at the intersection where Speen Street meets Old Connecticut Path.

Placement of new signs, and the removal of other signs has cleared up confusion about where and when you can park, (and caused confusion in others areas).

The major points of the new parking regulations are;

• Overnight on-street parking [of passenger cars] is now allowed, (so long as parking is not prohibited by other parking regulations). Effective January 1, 2010

• On-street parking is now regulated by a year-round odd/even system.  (Parking is allowed on even numbered side of street in even number years, odd numbered side in odd number years). Effective May 1, 2010.

• The (2) hour on-street parking restriction is being eliminated townwide; but, in two "zones", (the Framingham Center/State College area, and the Downtown Framingham / Hospital area), there will now be a  (3) hour parking limit from 6AM to 6PM, (Monday through Friday).  Effective May 1, 2010.

These new regulations are the outcome of several public meetings where input from residents, from Town departments, as well as input from business owners and other interested parties was welcomed. (This attached .PDF of the TRSC meeting Agenda [from March 10, 2010] shows the level of detail and types of traffic and safety issues considered by the committee members).

The Board of Selectmen also approved the following:

• All signs indicating "Residents Only Parking" are to be removed from all streets by April 1, 2010.

• Parking management zones, (a.k.a. "meters" or other forms of paid or restricted parking), are to be implemented in the Framingham Center/State College area,  and in the Downtown/Hospital area with (3) hour parking limits.  These zones were to be formally defined in January (2010).

• A Resident-Only Parking Sticker pilot program is being established in the neighborhood near the Framingham Commuter Rail Station, (Rt. 135 / Waverly St),  by April 1, 2010.

Map of new parking sticker pilot in neighborhood south of Waverly St., near Framingham Commuter Rail Station

Along with the town-wide recommendations by the TRSC, traffic and safety at certain intersections and along certain streets have required even more specific regulation.  Recommendations include placing stop signs at some intersections,  or restricting on-street parking in front of  apartment complexes.

Selectmen have scheduled a review in October (2010) to evaluate if and how well the new parking regulations, zones and sticker programs are working.

This sign at the Wayland / Framingham town line on Old Conn. Path. is now outdated as the 2-hour parking limit has been lifted.

If you have questions about currently in-force parking regulations, the Town suggests you contact the Framingham Police Department.

If you have comments, questions, or would like information about how you can participate in or attend any official Town of Framingham meeting where parking regulations will be discussed or decided, contact the Town Manager 's office.

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