Posted:
Monday, Dec. 11, 2017 (Halifax, NS) – The municipal overnight winter parking ban will be in effect again this winter season from Friday, Dec. 15, 2017 through Saturday, Mar. 31, 2018.
As in previous seasons, the ban will be enforced between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m., during declared weather events and extended clearing operations only. Residents are encouraged to plan ahead when snow is in the forecast and secure off-street parking for when the overnight parking ban is enforced.
When and where you park this winter can have a big impact on snow clearing. To help ensure the streets are properly cleared, the municipality has stepped up its winter parking enforcement in areas around hospitals and schools, bus routes and problem streets for snow equipment and emergency vehicles.
Planters, lawn decorations and any other portable objects near the sidewalk should be removed before the winter. Items like sports equipment that may still be used should be safely stored when bad weather is in the forecast. 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.
Officers will be ticketing vehicles obstructing sidewalk clearing. Vehicles hanging out of a driveway or parked on the sidewalk are prone to damage and become a dangerous obstacle for crews. Such obstacles prevent crews from clearing the sidewalks properly, which can quickly become an accessibility issue for pedestrians, including seniors, people with mobility issues and parents pushing strollers.
Important reminder to all property owners: Never clear snow from your property onto the street or sidewalk. Property owners must ensure the snow they clear is piled on their own property. It is against By-Law S-300 to throw or pile snow in the street or on the sidewalk. This is a serious problem that can cause safety issues for pedestrians and other users as it complicates clearing for crews. The municipality has enhanced enforcement in place to address non-compliance with the By-Law.
The easiest way to stay informed about the status of overnight winter parking bans is to register for automated notifications by signing up online, emailing contactus@311.halifax.ca or calling 311. Subscribers will receive timely alerts by phone, email, and/or text message when the ban is in effect and again when it is lifted. Residents who received these notifications last winter will continue to receive the service this year. Standard text messaging rates apply.
Weather conditions and snow clearing operations will determine how long an overnight parking ban will be enforced, as it may extend for more than one night. In addition to automated notifications, the municipality will issue public service announcements to alert residents and business owners when the ban will be enforced and when it has been lifted. Timely information will also be posted online at www.halifax.ca/snow and via the municipality’s primary Twitter account, @hfxgov. Residents can also call 311 at any time for up-to-date information.
The municipality wants to remind residents that Section 139 of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act also requires that people remove their vehicles from the streets, day or night, in the event of a weather event or ongoing clearing operations. Vehicles obstructing snow removal or winter maintenance operations can be removed at the owner’s cost, regardless of the time or date.
To help avoid a ticket, and the hassle and costs of being towed, residents should ask themselves these four questions when considering parking on the street this winter:
- Is the overnight parking ban currently being enforced?
- Is your car causing a safety issue?
- Is it making the road impassable?
- Is it impeding snow operations underway in the area?
If the answer to any of these questions is yes, do not park on the street. The municipality doesn't want to ticket or tow — the objective is to keep vehicles off the streets to facilitate efficient and safe clearing. This, in turn, ensures emergency vehicles, buses and other traffic have proper access.
Think before you park this winter — it will help make the season a little easier on everyone.
For more information on municipal winter operations, please visit www.halifax.ca/snow.