Montreal has exhibited leniency in issuing parking tickets for certain violations due to the significant snow accumulation, although a substantial number of tickets have still been issued.
The city’s parking enforcement agency, known as Agence de mobilité durable de Montréal, communicated to CBC News that it is currently tolerating infractions related to resident parking bans (typically requiring stickers) and on-street paid parking spaces. These measures aim to restore normal traffic flow promptly and safely.
Nevertheless, this leniency does not extend to all types of violations, as specified by the agency. Despite the relaxed enforcement, a significant number of tickets have been issued. As of Monday at 7 a.m., the parking agency reported issuing 6,659 tickets over a span of 10 days for parking violations, with 5,754 tickets (86.4%) resulting in towing.
Comparatively, the number of tickets issued and vehicles towed remains consistent with previous years, with an average of 32,000 to 46,000 cars towed per season.
Parking at an angle, a common practice during heavy snowfall in Montreal, continues to be an offense subject to ticketing. The agency notes that angled parking is only permitted when explicitly indicated by signs, as cars parked at an angle can pose risks such as obstruction of emergency vehicles and being hit.
Guy Lapointe, a division chief at the Montreal fire service, emphasized the need for unobstructed passageways for emergency vehicles. Issues arise at intersections where tight turns are hindered by snow or improperly parked vehicles, impacting snowplow operations as well.
Motorists like Kateryna Charua have faced consequences of angled parking, waking up to find her car damaged by a snowplow. Despite reporting the incident to the city, she was informed that she is responsible for moving the car to avoid further penalties.
Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante, addressing the public in a news conference, urged drivers to comply with parking regulations to facilitate snow removal operations. Plante emphasized the importance of keeping roads clear during snow removal activities, stressing that hindrances caused by parked vehicles can halt the entire process.
The city’s parking enforcement agency has emphasized the surveillance of parked vehicles during snow removal operations to prevent obstruction to snowplows and loading trucks. Motorists are advised to be vigilant for special signage and relocate their vehicles before snow-clearing teams pass through. Additionally, there are designated free overnight parking spots available, provided vehicles are moved by 7 a.m.
For more information on free parking spots, visit the Agence de mobilité durable de Montréal website.
