EDITORIAL: Change our parking ban

The holiday snow ensured a White Christmas – not that it was ever in doubt.

It also showcased how inconsiderate some vehicle owners can be.

Unlike other cities, which ticket and tow vehicles parked on city streets during and after snowstorms, the City of Thunder?Bay appears content to simply plow around.

It’s time the city adopted a different tact.

Rather than automatically enacting calendar parking restrictions once winter weather settles in, the city should only put them in place when snowfall dictates.

In Halifax, for example, the municipality issues a snowfall warning and issues overnight parking bans on all city streets until the snow is cleared.

But there should also be a zero-tolerance policy when snowfall dictates the restrictions take effect. 

Fines, which currently stand at $35 ($45 if not paid within five business days), should be increased. Vehicles that impede snow removal should be ticketed and towed, at the owners’ expense.

The city is looking at ways to cut its costs. Having to return to clear streets on several occasions does not help the cause. Forcing other drivers to navigate around piles of snow on city streets can be perilous and lead to collisions. It’s time to get tough.