Parking Violations in School Zones and Fire Lanes

Starting today, the Winnipeg Parking Authority will be using camera technology to register parking offenders.  Please BE AWARE;  PARK WITH CARE.  For more information, see complete details on the Parking Program

Thank you to Winnipeg Free Press for covering this very important topic.

City cracking down on parking infractions

Winnipeg Free Press  Posted: 05/1/2017 8:51 AM

Parents are being schooled by the city on parking regulations in front of and near schools when they drop off and pick up their children, and it could be expensive.

Beginning today, the Winnipeg Parking Authority is cracking down on drivers who ignore parking regulations in a campaign that will see tickets issued to rule-breakers, even to those who stop for just a moment.

The program includes illegal parking in fire lanes and in spaces designated for people with disabilities.

Though some parking infractions are brief, such as quick stops to mail a letter or pick up a prescription, these often involve using spaces dedicated for specific purposes such as emergency vehicles and for those living with disabilities.

Parking in these areas can create hardship for some and compromise safety for everyone.

Chris Sobkowicz, the city’s access advisory committee co-ordinator, said able-bodied drivers regularly park in spots designated for the disabled.

“There’s tremendous abuse,” said Sobkowicz, who uses a wheelchair.

The city will ramp up its parking patrol by using vehicles equipped with four cameras, including two affixed to their roofs, to spot parking infractions and record licence plates, said Ryan Arabsky, the Winnipeg Parking Authority’s manager of regulations and compliance.

Authority employees will drive around schools and catch offenders on camera. Notices with fine amounts will follow in the mail.

The parking authority took in about $7 million in parking tickets last year, Arabsky said.

Fines generally range from $35 for stopping in a no-stopping zone, which increases to $70 if it is not paid within the first 15 days, to $150 for parking in a spot designated for a physically disabled person. If that ticket is not paid within the first 15 days, the $150 goes up to a $300 fine.

“People are going to say (the campaign) is a cash cow,” Mayes said.

But he said the campaign will ultimately make streets safer for children.

To see a list of fines associated with common parking violations, go to The Parking Store on the City of Winnipeg website

Twitter:  https://janicelukes.ca/?p=9033