At Special Town Meeting on Monday night, Mattapoisett voters approved a bylaw amendment that allows the town to institute parking bans in snow emergencies.

“The goal is to have a mechanism so we can get cars off the road so Barry [Denham, highway surveyor] and his team can get out and clear the roads,” said Selectman Jordan Collyer. “Unfortunately, this is a necessary evil.”

Those without off-street parking are likely to be asked to park on one side of the road so the Highway Department may clear the opposite side. Town parking at Depot Street, Town Wharf and Town Beach will be available as well.

Collyer said the amendment is also a safety measure that will allow emergency vehicles to go through narrow roads easier.