Drivers in Saint John who leave their cars parked on the streets during snow parking bans will face increased fines this year. The initial penalty will jump to $60 if paid within 15 days, up from the current $30. Subsequent non-payment will escalate the fine to $80, then $100 after each additional 15-day period. Failure to settle the fines may result in a court appearance, with a potential penalty of $125, an increase from the current $100.
The City Council has approved the first and second readings of these changes, with the final reading scheduled for January. The decision was prompted by the challenges faced by snowplow operators in clearing streets and sidewalks due to parking violations.
Michael Hugenholtz, the public works commissioner, emphasized the necessity of these changes to facilitate winter maintenance operations during a council meeting. This adjustment follows the city’s recent announcement of adding sidewalk plows and reviewing winter resources after facing difficulties in the previous season, where icy sidewalks persisted for days post-storm due to parked cars and an aging sidewalk plow fleet.
Hugenholtz recommended that residents sign up for alerts on the city’s website to receive notifications about parking bans, locations, and durations. The alerts also provide links to maps displaying temporary parking areas near restricted zones.
The city officials stressed the importance of compliance to enable efficient snow removal operations for the safety of all citizens. Despite efforts to avoid penalties and towing, enforcement actions were necessary after the first snowstorm of the season, which led to 128 vehicles being ticketed and 25 towed to facilitate snowplowing.
While acknowledging the need for the penalty adjustments, concerns were raised about affordability and inadvertent violations, especially during holiday gatherings. The increased fines will also apply to violations of alternate-side parking rules, ensuring that streets are consistently clear for essential city services throughout the year.