Winter Matters

Two recurring matters arise during and after every snow storm; mailbox damage and plowing of driveways into streets. Many years ago Bolton officially adopted a Snow Plowing Policy which addresses and makes clear the policy on both of these matters. Click Policy to see official policy document.

• Mailboxes - The DPW does not deliberately knock over or damage mailboxes. With the combination of reduced visibility during a snow storm and snow banks, it is not always possible for our drivers to see a mailbox in time to avoid a collision with the wing plow or heavy snow that is thrown by the moving plow. Remember that any installation within the right-of-way (ex: mailboxes, lawns, sprinkler heads, fences, steps, trees, shrubs, etc...) is placed there at the owner’s risk. The Town of Bolton will not repair or replace anything that lies within the Town easement. Consequently, residents are encouraged to place mailboxes at the maximum allowable distance from the pavement and should be inspected regularly to insure that they are secure and that wood posts are in tact. Click MAILBOXES to link to USPS Mailbox Guidelines. Nearly all mailboxes damaged in Bolton this season ARE INSTALLED CLOSER THAN 8" BEHIND THE PAVEMENT AND ARE NOT installed according to USPS guidelines. Also newer PVC products are not New England Winter Friendly. UV rays from the sun break down the PVC which make posts, bracket, and boxes very brittle. Brittleness increase with low temperature! Keep this in mind when considering mailbox (or fence) materials.
• Plowing Driveways into Public Streets -  Snow must not be shoveled or plowed back into the roadway from any residents’ driveway (Town Bylaw Section 1.19). A fine not more than $100.00 will be levied. This practice requires DPW crews to make multiple trips to areas to replow and retreat the roadway, both of which unreasonably increase snow removal costs to the Town. Moreover, this practice is dangerous as drivers are unlikely to be aware of changing road conditions where the road is entirely treated and safe except where snow was discharge and packed. Accidents resulting from discharged snow become the legal liability of the property owner and are avoidable. Please; Be Fair, Be Safe, and Be Compliant!