Drivers in Esquimalt have more reason to keep an eye on where and when they park. The township has increased fines for parking violations and is expanding bylaw enforcement to Saturdays, changes officials say are intended to encourage people to follow parking rules and make it easier to find parking in busy areas. The updated penalties are now in effect after Esquimalt council approved changes to its Bylaw Offence Notice system, which had largely remained unchanged since 2014. Judy Kitts, Esquimalt’s director of strategic initiatives, said the township’s goal is not simply to issue more tickets. “The motivation for updating the Bylaw Offence Notice bylaw was largely to support greater compliance,” Kitts said. For most parking violations, the regular fine has jumped from $40 to $75. The early payment amount has also increased, going from $30 to $50 if the ticket is paid within 14 days. If paid late, the penalty will be $100, compared with $50 previously. “We’re hoping to have fewer tickets and change behaviour when it comes to parking,” Kitts said. Parking accounts for about 95 per cent of Esquimalt’s bylaw offence notices. Kitts said a significant amount of staff time is spent on parking enforcement, both proactively and in response to complaints. Those complaints can involve residential parking, vehicles blocking driveways and parking along yellow curbs. Saturday parking enforcement is expected to begin in late October once a new bylaw officer has completed training. Kitts said the additional coverage is partly aimed at creating more turnover in busy commercial areas. “We want to support businesses and make sure people visiting those areas can easily find parking,” she said. Bylaw officers will also have a greater presence at major township events, where they will monitor parking and other potential bylaw violations. The township plans to take an education first approach as the new penalties are introduced. Kitts said officers will initially focus on education and warnings while residents adjust to the changes. The township is also working on an online payment system for bylaw tickets, which is expected to be available later this fall. Right now, residents can pay in person at municipal hall or mail a cheque. The online system will give people another option to pay before additional fees or collection notices are issued. “These updates are about supporting compliance, improving fairness and making the process easier for residents and visitors,” Mayor Barbara Desjardins said in a township news release. “By bringing penalties in line with other municipalities and improving payment options, we are taking a practical step toward a more modern and effective bylaw system,” she said. Existing tickets will not be affected by the new rates. They will remain at the amount shown when they were issued.
