Councillor says too many angry phone calls come during winter months
May 13, 2008 - 02:14 PM
By Kristen Calis
PICKERING -- Judging by the amount of angry phone calls from people who receive parking tickets during the winter months, rules must be made clear to residents, says a Pickering councillor.
"They literally come in by the hundreds after each storm," says Ward 2 City Councillor Doug Dickerson.
At Monday's executive committee meeting, updates and amendments to the existing traffic and parking bylaw were passed. The bylaw included a change to make it clear that snow-clearing operations do not have to be on the street in order for cars to receive a ticket.
"There is no parking on the street during snow clearing at any time," said Everett Buntsma, director of operations and emergency services.
Coun. Dickerson said when he explains this to residents, anger only escalates, and the key is informing people of the rule before they find themselves with tickets.
But, Mr. Buntsma said he can't see how the City can make it any more clear since it already distributes brochures on the topic, posts it on its website and "it's on our community page (in the News Advertiser) every year."
Chief Administrative Officer Tom Quinn agreed street parking is a top winter issue and noted it's an important topic to bring up since cars parked on the street during snow-clearing operations often endure damage, and can also get plowed in by about four or five feet of snow.
Coun. Dickerson said ignoring the bylaw and parking on the street can be dangerous and inconsiderate of neighbours, particularly seniors.
"The real penalty should be a tow out of snow routes," he said.
Mr. Quinn confirmed towing does occur when people take advantage of keeping a ticket on their windshield in order to avoid more.
Coun. Dickerson also asked if it would be possible to put some parking spaces in the centre of cul-de-sac circles during non-winter months so people could park legally. He said they don't currently exist so emergency vehicles can get around, but noted in the winter months the centres are filled with snow banks anyway.
Mr. Quinn said he would look into the issue.
Recommend :