Parking
Be prepared for the parking ban
Vehicles left in the streets overnight during this week's storm could be subject to a $50 fine
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Halifax had 70cm of snow and 100km/h winds, making roads difficult to navigate.
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Halifax is facing up to 70 cm of snow and 100 km/h winds, making roads difficult to navigate.Halifax’s municipal overnight parking ban is being enforced again.
The municipality handed out 710 tickets last week to residents in violation of the parking ban, which is enforced in order to keep streets clear for snow removal in the winter months.
The winter parking ban is a regulation that falls under Section 139 of Nova Scotia’s Motor Vehicle Act. It bars residents from parking their vehicles in the road in a way that “might interfere with or obstruct snow removal or winter maintenance operations.”
This year, the ban went into effect on Dec. 15 and will remain in effect until March 31, but it’s only enforced after “declared weather events” like this week’s snowstorm. The ban is enforced between the hours of 1 a.m. and 6 a.m.
Overnight Winter #HfxParkingBan enforced 1-6 AM, Mon., Feb. 13. Park off-street for #Haliblizzard17! https://t.co/xI9RPTVuWW#HfxSnowpic.twitter.com/8jOhXrQvU5
— hfxgov (@hfxgov) February 12, 2017
The municipality issues $50 fines for any vehicle parked in the street or blocking the sidewalk while the ban is under enforcement. Vehicles caught in violation of the ban are also subject to be towed.
In addition to the overnight ban, Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act allows the municipality to issue tickets to any vehicle parked in a way that obstructs snow removal equipment at any time of day or night.
The aim of the ban is to prevent “curb bergs,” buildups of snow and ice on the sides of the road from partial street clearing, and to make sidewalk and road clearing as easy as possible for maintenance crews.
Dude, where’s my car? Don’t let this be you. Creates a lot of work for you & #HfxSnow crews. Thx for parking off-street. #HfxParkingBan pic.twitter.com/xpSjXPs2fu
— hfxgov (@hfxgov) February 13, 2017
According to a CBC report, the municipality issued 11,837 tickets in 2014-15 to residents in violation of the parking ban.
Where is it in effect?
The ban covers all municipal streets in the city centre and nearby regions. This map outlines the region boundaries:
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Both the Halifax and Dartmouth sides of the HRM are affected by the municipal overnight parking ban.Public response
The parking ban is met with mixed reactions from residents who may be inconvenienced by the regulations.
@hfxgov Not snowing and no snow in the overnight forecast. This #hfxparkingban is ridiculous. Please stop the madness for the love of God.
— Jennifer Fox (@harlickjen) February 11, 2017
Residents without driveways of their own often have difficulty finding places to park for the night.
I hope I can find a cleared out place to park this morning #hfxparkingban
— Eco Yogini (@Eco_Yogini) March 25, 2015
Residents are advised to park in driveways or public parking lots while the ban is being enforced.
Halifax winter parking ban is on over night tonight, Overnight parking in waterfront lots is $6 from 6pm-8am! https://t.co/Sa6MFmHb2s
— My_Waterfront (@My_Waterfront) January 6, 2017
Though the municipality has a number of public lots, spaces are limited and most lots require payment.
Staying informed
According to the municipality, the easiest way to stay up to date with the parking ban enforcement is through the automated notification system, though this system is only accessible through Internet Explorer or Firefox browsers on desktop computers.
The municipality also tweets reminders from @hfxgov and @HFXParkingBan in advance of enforcements, and residents without Internet access can call 311 for updates.
