In the wake of last week’s snowfall, in which the town had 18 pieces of equipment working for more than 24 hours to keep streets, lots and sidewalks clear, planning and preparations are being made for the next snowfall.

To that end, Town Manager George Olson wants to remind residents that the Exeter winter parking ban went into effect on Dec. 1.

This year, the town adopted a new policy to deal with snow removal in three municipal lots. In past years, fire sirens sounded to warn overnight parkers to move their vehicles so parking could take place.

That’s all changed. This year the town designated certain areas for overnight parking, and residents can leave their cars there during snow cleanup.

"The old system was awkward," Olson said. "When we’d sound the siren the first time, at 7 p.m., people were maybe watching television and didn’t hear it. The second time, at midnight, they were asleep.

"If they did hear it, they had to come out on what amounted to a snowy night," he said. "We ended up towing a lot of cars. (This change) made a lot more sense for everyone."

The change affects the Water and Bow streets lot, the train station lot and the Front Street lot adjacent to Rockingham Feed and Supply. Signs are posted delineating the overnight parking areas.

"This way, people won’t have to come out in the snow, and hopefully we will tow a lot fewer cars," Olson said.

The ban is in effect through March 15. Any questions or concerns can be directed to the town manager’s office at 778-0591.