Snow route bans were introduced in Calgary in 2011. And now, the city is looking for ways to get greater compliance from citizens to move their vehicles when a ban is called.
So far this year there have been four snow route bans with an average of more than 2,000 tickets handed out during each event:
- Feb. 5-7: 2,945 tickets
- Feb. 10-12: 2,051 tickets
- March 4-6: 1,750 tickets
- Oct 3-6: 1,602 tickets
The city’s transportation committee is asking city council to approve an increase in the fine handed out from the current penalty of $75, which can be reduced to $40 with early payment. The proposed increase is $120 — with an early payment reduction to $80 — something Councillor Joe Magliocca says is not enough
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“Why only $120, they will never learn,” the Ward 2 councillor said. “I’ve got certain areas, they just park it on the road and to move it they have to get a battery charger and $120 is easier than parking it somewhere else”
Magliocca told the committee Thursday he’d even like to see a graduated fine system where each offence brings a higher penalty.
Others on the Transportation committee disagreed. Evan Woolley believes the amount being proposed by administration should act as a deterrent.
“$120 is a lot of money. You know, we can look forever and a day at what the amount is and should be. I wouldn’t want to pay $120 — I’d take the time to move my car.”
Some vehicles have been towed during a snow route ban, but in a report to the committee it’s said to be impractical.
The $120 ticket will match what is handed out when vehicles aren’t moved off the street during spring street sweeping.
The proposal goes to city council for approval on December 17th.
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