London might loosen overnight street parking ban this winter

London city officials are considering loosening the rules for overnight street parking, potentially in time for this winter.

A political push is underway at city hall to further ease overnight parking rules on residential streets.

On Monday, the Community and Protective Services (CAPS) Committee expanded on a motion by Coun. Jerry Pribil to review the current rules that permit overnight residential street parking between April 30 and Nov. 1.

During the winter months, parking is prohibited between 3 a.m. and 5 a.m. to allow efficient snow clearing.

Weather permitting, each license plate is entitled to 15 exemptions (parking passes) every year.

Pribil’s motion would direct staff to review the rules in other municipalities, including the rationale for the seasonal duration in London.

“Revisit the option of shortening [the ban] and to include consideration of a specific time, November 15 to March 31,” he asked colleagues on the CAPS Committee.

Mayor Josh Morgan joined the meeting and suggested the review also consider lifting the limit of 15 overnight passes— but maintain the ban when roads require snow plowing.

Deputy Mayor Shawn Lewis agreed, “By and large, most landowners do not use their full 15 days. But it is something where some folks do hit it, and I suspect it’s becoming an increasingly common feature as we see these multi-generational families, young adults staying at home longer, [and] renters moving into basement units.”

Coun. Corrine Rahman cited a pilot project underway in St. Thomas that permits parking on the driveway skirt between the sidewalk and road.

She suggested on winter nights when snowplowing is required, drivers could be permitted to park on the skirt of their driveway.

“With multi-generational homes, smaller housing units and parking densities removed, this is an opportunity for people to be able to resolve some of the parking challenges [and] not face tickets during the winter months when there are restrictions,” she added.

If council endorses the amended motion next week, staff would conduct the review and bring forward a report for the CAPS Committee meeting on Sept. 29.