The City of Edmonton issued 245 tickets during two recent phases of snow removal. Phase 1 of the season’s first parking ban was declared on Dec. 17 as the city prepared for 20 centimetres of snow. The parking ban ended the morning of Dec. 22 and resulted in 113 tickets issued, one warning and 12 tows. The following parking ban was declared on Dec. 28 and wrapped up at noon New Year’s Eve, seeing 132 tickets, seven warnings and 21 tows. Tow trucks returned to Edmonton’s street clearing strategy after council voted in July to use $100,000 from the city’s contingency fund to pay for towing enforcement. For the last two years, there was no money in the budget for tow trucks during snow removal and street cleaning. City council is considering lowering the fine for parking during a ban from $250 to $150 with a further discount for early payments. Administration will be reporting back to council regarding the motion in late January, said the city. In three of the four winters Edmonton has had a seasonal parking ban, at least 2,200 parking tickets were issued by the city. Council said the changes were made in response to feedback from residents. The city is responsible for clearing 12,000 kilometres of roads and 500 kilometres of active pathways. So far this season, Edmonton has seen 72 centimetres of snow.
