A winter parking ban is under way in Auburn and one will begin Monday, Dec. 1, in Lewiston.

Auburn prohibits overnight parking on all streets. The city has reserved nine off-street lots for people who have nowhere else to park their vehicles, but the lots are filling fast.

In Lewiston, city officials have decided to put off the parking ban until next month. Police noted that big snowstorms are rare in November so overnight parking on city streets is allowed until Dec. 1.

“The weather patterns have changed over the years,” said Lewiston police Lt. Paul Harmon. “And the idea behind the ban isn’t to punish people. The idea is to clear the streets when they need plowing. That usually begins in December.”

Under the ban, parking on city streets for more than an hour between midnight and 6 a.m. is prohibited. In Lewiston, there are a few exceptions:

• Knox Street on the even numbered side between Birch and Spruce streets.

• Lincoln Drive, both sides and

• Lincoln Street on both sides from Cedar to Locust streets.

Across the bridge, Auburn city officials are trying to help people find a place to park in the winter months. Police are taking applications for free spots in designated areas across the city. The spaces are assigned on a first-come, first-serve basis at these lots:

• Hampshire Street and Gamage Avenue.

• Webster School on the Webster Street side.

• Franklin School on the Pine Street side.

• Troy Street parking lot at Hampshire Street.

• Great Falls Plaza.

• Court Street lot near the library.

• Chamberlain School on High Street.

• The new parking garage downtown.

• The Broad Street parking lot at 53 Broad St.

Those who park in those areas need to remove their vehicles by 7 a.m. or they may be subject to towing.