The scoop on parking
Your questions answered
Southie residents have had some questions about parking around town so we went straight to the horses mouth. Tom Tinlin, Southie Resident and City of Boston Transportation Commissioner, answered some of the questions that have been keeping you up at night when it comes to parking.
What’s the deal with parking in front of the post office on East Third Street?
In the past, BTD and BPD have enforced parking in this area when public safety has been compromised, and we will continue to do so as necessary. With that being said, at the request of Councilor Linehan, BTD (Boston Transportation Department) has been working with him and the Public Works Department to design a legal parking plan for the area in front of the post office bordered by Emerson, East Third Street and H Street. A community meeting was held on May 30th, with many residents in favor of the plan. The final plan calls for constructing a legal, well-defined parking area within the triangle. A total of 22 parking spaces will be within this parking area and an additional five spaces will be gained on Emerson Street, which currently has 12 parking spaces. On-street parking on East Third will remain as is. Unfortunately, implementation of this plan will be delayed due to Boston Water and Sewer Commission work currently taking place in the immediate area. For the interim, stripes will be painted on the pavement within the triangle to designate parking and ensure traffic and pedestrian safety in the vicinity. Note that we are testing a similar design at M and East Fourth Street that was installed to mixed reviews.
What happened to the green arrow at Dorchester Street and Broadway?
BTD removed the green arrow from the traffic signal at this intersection due to serious safety concerns. With the green arrow, drivers were turning right from Dorchester Street onto Broadway, and then cutting through ongoing traffic on Broadway to get to the other corner of Dorchester Street. These drivers were creating a significant conflict between their vehicles and vehicles traveling on Broadway. Drivers, of course, were taking this chance in order to get through the intersection more quickly. To help these drivers, at the same time that we removed the green, right-turn arrow, we programmed additional green time to the traffic signals controlling traffic movement on Dorchester Street. Please note all new traffic signals were installed at this location within the past year as part of the project to reconstruct Perkins Square. These traffic signals are connected to the Traffic Management Center in City Hall which provides us with the ability to reprogram them at any time. Furthermore, in recent weeks, a traffic camera was installed at this location. BTD is now closely monitoring this intersection via the real-time feed from the camera and is prepared to make further changes to the traffic signal operation as necessary.
Where can non-residents park in South Boston?
In most, but not all, areas of South Boston, (i.e. Andrew Square) the Resident Permit Parking (RPP) restrictions are only in place in the evening hours, mid-week. Drivers need to pay very close attention to all posted parking signs, but in most areas, the RPP restrictions are only in effect Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday from 6 PM until 10 AM, and Friday from 12:01 AM to 10 AM. As a result, visitors may park on a residential street in South Boston on Friday after 10 AM and not have to move their vehicles until Monday afternoon. Visitors who choose to stay overnight mid-week must park in established visitor parking spaces. However, parking at these spaces is limited to two hours maximum so vehicles must be moved to a different block-face every two hours or be subject to a $40 parking ticket. Visitors should also look at parking in the two municipal parking lots located in South Boston – City of Boston Municipal Parking Lot #18 is located at #450 West Broadway and offers parking for 60 vehicles, and Municipal Parking Lot #21 is located at #650 to #652 East Broadway and offers parking for 22 vehicles. There is also some parking on East First Street and the garage at EDIC. Wherever they park, it is important for drivers to pay close attention to public safety and read the posted signs to avoid began ticketed and/or towed.
So there you have it! If you have any questions about living in South Boston, we’ll get the answers for you!
Special thank you to Tommy Tinlin and Tracey from Tommy’s office!
29 Comments
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Resident parking should be in effect on weekends. I am sick of seeing all out of state plates.
What about the residents who live here and pay all these taxes./ These visitors should NOT be allowed to park in Southie residential areas
I agree, the kids friends come into town from wherever, leave their car all weekend in the spot.
People should give up their cars and use public transportation. There’s no reason every resident needs a parking spot especially the ones that work downtown and drive to work! 1 stop on the T and you’re there.
What’s with parking any direction you feel like on either side of the street?
Why is it that only in South Boston you can double park anywhere you want but no where else in Massachusetts?
Totally agree, make it like the South End or North End with all resident only signs and limited visitor parking.
What if you have to spend the night with your Mother to help with her medical care and you’re not a resident? Where do you park?
i completely agree that its not fair to people who buy houses and pay all that money to be able to park in front of them. What i hate is that i work in a reataurant in southie and i my apartment is on the north shore and not close to a T station, and not to mention its not like its NYC and the T runs 24 hours. so when im working 14 hr shifts the parking is such a pain in the ass. I wish that there was a permit sticker for me to be able to park on the street till midnight. What can you do i guess.
I agree that on weekends the streets get pretty crowded with visitors in Southie. While this does annoy me somewhat, what happens if they take away all Visitor spots in Southie? No one’s allowed to have friends or family come and visit? That’s absurd! I love my place in Southie, and so do my friends and family. I don’t like the feeling of being closed off from the rest of the world simply because parking is such a headache. I only wish there was some solution where everyone is happy!
Anyone should be allowed to park ANYWHERE, Anytime > There is no reason we as residents cant have visitors from out of town stay over any time they please.
Anyone who disagrees is an asshole.
Moving a car every 2 hours over night? What on earth is that rule about.
Can you park in the UP Academy Charter School (on the corner of W 7th and Dorchester) parking lot over night? Been having trouble finding spots when I work late and don’t feel safe parking numerous blocks away. Your help would be appreciated.
Thanks!
So stupid that even overnight you have to move your car every two hours. What are you supposed to do, set your alarm, wake up at your friend’s house and move the car? At that time of night, where the hell would you move it as all the spots are taken!! Silly! No other neighborhood has that – you can stay until 8am.
I will be visiting a friend this evening and staying overnight in Southie. Where can I park where I won’t get towed or ticketed? How can no one be able to visit Southie overnight without being a resident? What do people do??
If they built up the municipal parking lot into a multi-story garage, everyone’s problem would be solved instantly. Drives me nuts…I work in Framingham and I have to leave my office 30 minutes early every day just to find a spot on my street.
I will never again live anywhere that doesn’t come with some form of guaranteed parking.
I moved to Southie and applied online for a parking permit since with my work schedule i did not have time to go to town hall. Does anyone know if i can park without the worry of getting a ticket? I have a print out confirmation that I applied for a permit but it doesnt state if i can start to park there.. does anybody know the answer?
F all of you people who don’t want any visitor parking at all. When I bring my daughter to visit her grandpa, and stay overnight on a weekday, and park in VISITOR PARKING, I shouldn’t have to move my car every 2 hours until frigging 8 in the morning or face a ticket. Or if we come have dinner with them at 6, and, oh heavens forbid, stay 3 hours instead of the legally permitted 2. If you idiots would just get your act together and petition for a couple well-placed municipal garages instead of more and more ridiculously overpriced condo units, this wouldn’t even be an issue.
why dont we rid southie of all its yuppies? that way there us actual south boston people can park wherever the hell we want. Also, if we must have yuppies at every corner, can they at least be required to take a parking class before they move here? they leave a solid 15 feet between cars.
double parking in south boston has worked long before the invasion. you double park on B-way if you are only going to be a few minutes, it is not an all day thing. If you park on the street at a friends house you dont block a driveway and if there is already a double parked car in the vicinity you park on the same side to avoid a raceway like effect. you must also check on your car from time to time to make sure the car you are blocking is not trying to get out.you must also be aware of a beeping car, that means the driver is trying to get out and after a few beeps it could get ugly. remember you are blocking him in so give a polite wave and move your car,then take his spot!
There is a two bedroom apt. across the street with 5 residents and a three bedroom with 6. We have a lot of RE agents who suport this – just want to get their commissions from the younder population. This creates a parking challenge for us long term owners. I was born and raised in Southie! Sad
I think if south boston was organized enough they should at least have a parking lot for overnight visitors or any visitors without a time constriction. I know many people who live in southie have been living there for years and would like their spot by their own home, but it's not like it is only the visitors who are taking a possible spot. All other south residents are. It's more of a lucky draw if you find a spot near your house.
Having a visitor lot will take away a lot of the current issues some residents do have. I have family out of state and they won't come and visit me because thier afraid they will get ticketed. What family member really is staying for two hours. If they get rid of all visitor parking on the street and make a designated lot for visitors with no time constraint then problem solved.
I couldn't agree with you more. Add to those lots and make sure there is not time restrictions. If south boston wanted to make money out of it maybe charge a lower price for overnight guests nothing too expensive, or just make it a free parkiing garage for visitors!
Just a few clarifications on the rules posted on here:
Parking more than 2 hours in visitor parking will get you a $25 ticket. Parking in resident parking after 6pm will get you a $40 ticket.
Resident parking and visitor parking is now 7 days a week, not Monday through Thursday (at least on East Broadway and surrounding areas, not sure about West Broadway areas).
Parking signs are only valid for 100 feet. There a few signs where nothing is posted about parking, meaning those areas are fair game.
I've received many tickets parking in Southie when I stay at my boyfriends house (I live in Quincy). Unfortunately, I know there rules very well.
I know the parling rules are annoying and I WISH I could park in front of my boyfriends house, but I didn't pay all that money to buy a house/rent in Southie and I think visitors should respect that the people with resident stickers did.
P.S. – I always put an old parking ticket under my windshield wiper when I'm parking in Visitor Parking overnight. They just see orange and move on.
Have a heart, people have familes all over this country and need to visit them. In NJ we welcome out of towners knowing there is a purpsoe for them coming. Lighten up and look at the bigger picture.
Are these same tax paying residents not aloud to have guest over the weekend?