The Unofficial Rules for Saving Parking Spots During a Snowstorm
by Guy Gadbois
Thanksgiving has come and gone and that means winter is right around the
corner. I'd like to take a moment and talk about the time honored
Southie tradition of saving parking spots during a snowstorm. Let's
go over the "rules" that were agreed upon by our ancestors.
- You can’t put something in your spot until after the snowstorm is over. I understand how inconvenient it is if you have to go to work or a party or wherever and won’t be back until after all the spots on the streets are claimed and you end up 5 blocks away from your house. But you can’t “hold” you’re spot until you get back – that’s just bad manners. It follows the same sentiment as Rule #2.
- If you did not shovel your car out, you cannot keep the spot.
Self -explanatory right? Wrong. How many times have you seen a somebody drive their car out of a spot without shoveling any snow and put a barrel there? Not cool. You must shovel. - If you move someone’s space saver and park your car in its place,
you have no right to complain about what happens to your car. However, you are allowed to retaliate as long as you don't get caught. If you get
caught, you shouldn’t complain about the beating you will most likely receive. - The city allows for space savers up to 48 hours after a storm.
Hogwash! As long as you are not the last one with a cone out, your're cool.
If you live on my street, you’re all set because I have a crazy neighbor
who leaves his electrified barrel out until the swan boats are being put in the water. - After the 48 hrs is up, the city will pick up any space savers still
left out. Seize this opportunity to get rid of anything lying around your
house you want to get rid of i.e. radiators, foosball tables, mattresses, old television, whatever you want to get rid of. Just put it in your space and the city will haul it off.
I hope this review helps make winter a little more bearable and clears
up any confusion over spot saving.