City maintenance organizations remind residents to move vehicles before snowfall

COLUMBIA, Mo. (KMIZ)

Editor's note: The original story didn't state it's recommended for owners to move their vehicles in Jefferson City.

Snow will be coming back to Mid-Missouri and it's expected to be a couple of inches of snowfall.

With that winter weather expectation, there are certain requirements residents in Columbia and Jefferson city need to remember if their car is parked on a snow route.

Residents will need to move their vehicles to other places to avoid any fines.

Britt Smith, operations division director for Jefferson City Public Works Department, says people moving their vehicle can prevent them from shoveling a small mountain of snow later and give the city space to work.

"Our policy is we will continue plow operations until we have clear pavement curb to curb. If there's a parked car there, you know that means a lot of snow gets piled up around that parked car and when you go out, you know six-inch snow and your suddenly…. All around your car. That's a lot of shoveling. So it's good for you and it's good for us," said Smith.

Jefferson City also asks that all property owners keep their sidewalks clear of any snow. In Jefferson City, it's recommended that owners move their vehicles from priority snow routes.

In Columbia, if cars aren't moved off snow priority roads, the Public Works Department says individuals could pay a fine of $100 and possibly have their vehicle towed.

John Ogan, public information specialist for the City of Columbia Public Works, says the rule is not to collect money but to ensure safety.

"This rule is not to collect fines from people. We prefer not to tow anybody but what this ordinance does is allow plow drivers to have the space they're going to need to do their job quickly, efficiently and safely for everyone," said Ogan.

Columbia Public Works says residents can identify a snow priority road with a sign that says no parking when it's above two inches.

People can also find a map of snow priority routes on Comosnow.com