The Department of Public Works (DPW) has announced that daytime mechanical street sweeping will resume in heavily trafficked residential neighborhoods on Monday, March 24, 2008. Alternate-side parking restrictions in these areas will go into effect as well. Parking tickets, which carry a $30 fine, will be issued, beginning March 31, to vehicles parked during street sweeping hours in areas posted with “No Parking/Street Cleaning” signs. Additionally, parked cars may be towed to allow the sweepers access to the curbside. Generally, parking is prohibited for two hours while sweeping is underway.

DPW Director William O. Howland, Jr., emphasized the importance of keeping the curb lane free and clear during designated street sweeping hours. “Street sweeping reduces debris and pollutants that otherwise would be carried by rain and runoff into the city’s storm drains,” Howland said. “These contaminants can be extremely harmful to fish and other wildlife if they reach our rivers and bays.”

When street sweepers are able to successfully complete their route, the pay off is tremendous, Howland added. “Based on a recent study, each mile swept mechanically removes 10 pounds of grease and oil; three pounds of nitrates and phosphates; and, one to two pounds of heavy metals,” he said.

DPW street sweepers cover about 4,000 lane miles monthly, removing litter by brushing it onto a conveyor system, which transports the material into a debris hopper. The sweeper also emits a fine spray of water to help control dust. Street sweeping is suspended during winter as the sprayed water can freeze on the street and cause dangerous driving conditions.