Calgary’s first snow route parking ban of the year will be lifted as of 5 p.m. Wednesday after nearly 2,000 tickets were handed out since it went into effect on Monday.
The ban, which was put in place Monday at noon, allowed snow clearing crews to finish Priority 2 streets almost one day earlier than what officials estimated, the city said.
The city said between noon on Monday and noon Wednesday, 1,898 tickets — which are for $120 each — were handed out.
“Our goal is 100 per cent compliance with every parking ban,” said Ben Pisch with the Calgary Parking Authority.
“Our fines increased this year to $120 and the numbers show this was an incentive to move vehicles off the street.”
The parking bans are declared on so-called snow routes when Calgary has seen a significant accumulation of snow.
Snow routes are indicated by blue signs with a white snowflake symbol. Any vehicles left on snow routes during the ban can be ticketed or towed.
Vehicles can, however, continue to park in the ParkPlus system zones during the day (from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m.) Monday to Saturday.
City of Calgary roads department spokesperson Chris McGeachy said crews have been working basically 24/7 during the cold snap, and the parking ban helps them better clear the streets.
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“When there are plenty of cars parked on that road that means our operators have to weave in and out,” McGeachy explained. “Find out if you live on a snow route, and if you do – move your car.”
“A good rule of thumb is if a bus drives in front of your house you’re probably on a snow route.”
Once called, snow route parking bans can be in place for up to 72 hours. On-street accessible parking is exempt from snow route parking bans.
The last snow route parking ban was put in place last October.
To find more information regarding snow route parking bans, visit Calgary.ca/snow.
WATCH: City of Calgary roads department spokesperson Chris McGeachy speaks with Dallas Flexhaug about the snow route parking ban.
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