A new initiative pushed forward by Mayor Dirk Burton is coming this winter to help combat dangerous winter parking in West Jordan City.

"We’re always looking to stay ahead of the curb when it comes to keeping our streets safe,” Burton said. “By clearing the streets early, we’re making a big impact on safety for everyone in our city.”

Highlighter blue notices that look like giant sticky notes will be placed on cars violating the mandatory no winter parking areas. West Jordan is one of the first cities in Utah to place the notices on cars.

“Think of it as a little nudge before the sludge,” Burton said.

Cars parked on narrow streets after a snowfall inhibit plows, police and emergency services from clearing and accessing certain roads during winter snowstorms.

“A lot of streets in West Jordan, when cars are parked on the street and the snow is falling, do not allow clearance for our plows to get through, and if our plows can't get through, then the snow won't be plowed on the street,” West Jordan’s Public Information Officer Marie Magers said. “So it all starts with people removing their cars from the street before a storm.”

Magers called the viewpoint of a crowded snow-filled street “intimidating” to even the most seasoned snowplow drivers. 

“Imagine driving down the street in a two-ton truck and not hitting any car mirrors,” she said. 

Magers said that it’s impossible for the city to see every car parked on the street before, during, or after a snowstorm, so the initiative's biggest goal is to educate the public.

Since these notices aren’t tickets, the mayor and city council members will be placing them on cars from November to April when the winter parking ordinance (7-3-10) is in effect.

In addition to the sticky notes, the city is also spreading the word about winter parking, which can be found on the city’s website and in the newsletter.

“A simple act of moving your car can do wonders on a snowy morning,” Magers said. "I think when people realize that a simple act of moving your car off the street can make it easier for everyone—you, your neighbors, us and police in an emergency—it’s really important.”