‘Think before you park’ asks HRM as overnight winter ban takes effect
Posted Dec 15, 2017 10:00:00 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
Halifax Regional Municipality wants residents to plan ahead as the overnight winter parking ban kicks in for the season.
The ban is on from December 15th to March 31st, however the municipality only enforces it during declared snow events.
When snow is in the forecast, drivers who leave their cars parked on the street from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. risk getting a ticket or having their vehicle towed.
Cars blocking snow removal crews can also be ticketed or towed at any time, day or night, under the province's Motor Vehicle Act.
HRM says they've stepped up enforcement of their ban on streets near hospitals, schools and bus routes, along with roads that are often a problem for emergency vehicles.
The municipality is also responsible for clearing sidewalks, which means vehicles hanging out of driveways could be damaged by equipment or prevent proper clearing. Lawn decorations, planters and sports equipment should also be moved out of the way.
“Any permanent structures or objects too big to move should be marked with a reflector that will be visible above the snow to help crews identify obstacles,” says HRM.
They warn they'll also be enforcing a bylaw which prevents residents from shovelling snow from their driveways onto streets or sidewalks. They say this can create safety issues for pedestrians.
Residents can find out when the ban going to be enforced by signing up for alerts which can be received by phone, email or text. HRM says those who signed up last year will still be on the list to get notifications this year.
