Report to/Rapport à:

Comité des transports et des service de transport en commun

11 November 2002/le 11 novembre 2002

Submitted by/Soumis par: R.T. Leclair, General Manager/Directeur general

Transportation, Utilities and Public Works/

Transport, services et travaux publics

Contact/Personne resource: Michael J. Flainek, P. Eng., Director/Directeur, Traffic and Parking Operations Branch/Direction de la sécurité et de la circulation

580-2424, extension 26882, Michael.Flainek@ottawa.ca

Ref N°: ACS2002-TUP-TRF-0029

SUBJECT:

HARMONIZATION OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT LEVEL OF SERVICE STANDARDS

OBJET :

HARMONISATION DES NORMES DE SERVICE POUR L’APPLICATION DES RÈGLEMENTS DE STATIONNEMENT

REPORT RECOMMENDATION

That the Transportation and Transit Committee recommend that Council;

1. approve the parking enforcement levels, as specified in Appendix 2;

2. direct staff to develop a Special Event Parking Enforcement Policy, for consideration by Council in February 2003; and

3. approve the former City of Ottawa 7 cm snow accumulation forecast rule as a trigger for the overnight winter parking prohibition as a City-wide pilot for the 2002/2003 winter season.

RECOMMANDATIONS DU RAPPORT

Que le Comité des transports et des services de transport en commun recommande au Conseil :

1. d’approuver les normes d’application des règlements de stationnement, comme il est précisé dans l’annexe 2;

2. d’enjoindre le personnel d’élaborer une politique d’application du stationnement lors d’événements spéciaux, qui sera soumise au Conseil en février 2003;

3. d’approuver la règle de l’ancienne Ville d’Ottawa voulant que le stationnement de nuit soit interdit lorsqu’une accumulation de neige de 7 cm et plus est prévue à titre de projet pilote à l’échelle de la ville pour l’hiver 2002-2003.

INTRODUCTION

The former municipalities had, with a few rare exceptions, common Traffic and Parking By-law regulations because their by-laws were modeled after the former Region’s Traffic and Parking By-law. However, while the same regulations were enforced, the parking enforcement standards were all different and unique in each of the municipalities. Depending on the road safety and traffic management challenges of the various municipalities and the enforcement resources available, some municipalities were proactive in their enforcement strategies, some used a combination of proactive and reactive enforcement strategies while others only responded to complaints. Some municipalities enforced all signed and unsigned regulations while others prioritized their enforcement activities.

Presently, enforcement is based on “home rules” with Parking Control Officers enforcing regulations within each of the former municipalities based on the former municipalities enforcement policies and practices. Only two former municipalities, Ottawa and Vanier, had Council approved enforcement policies; the remaining municipalities enforced within internal departmental policies and procedures.

This fragmented enforcement requirement is neither efficient nor effective. This report will recommend new and harmonized enforcement standards for different road classifications, type of on-street parking offence and requests for private property enforcement applicable within the urban/suburban areas (defined as the former Cities of Ottawa and Vanier, Village of Rockcliffe Park, and urban areas of the former Cities of Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester and Cumberland) of the new City of Ottawa.

DISCUSSION

Municipal roads are classified based on their function within the road hierarchy, and those classifications are arterial roads, collector roads (major and minor), local roads (sometimes called residential streets) and lanes (private and public). All of these road classifications have different construction and maintenance requirements, and similarly they all require different enforcement standards. The following chart will serve to explain, in broad general terms, the differences between the various road classifications.

CLASSIFICATION OF ROADS
Arterial	Collector (Major and Minor)	Local	Lanes (Private and Public)
Typically carry high volumes of medium distance traffic.	Typically carry moderate to high volumes of short to medium distance traffic.	Typically carry low volumes of short distance traffic.	Carry low volumes of traffic to/from adjacent properties.
Distribute traffic from collector roads to driveways/parkways, major collectors, arterials or controlled access highways.	Distribute traffic from local and collector roads to driveways/parkways, arterials or controlled access highways.	Distribute traffic from individual properties to collectors, major collectors, arterials and parkways/driveways.	Distribute traffic directly onto immediately adjacent roadway.

It can be seen that arterial roads carry the highest vehicular volumes, are almost always bus and cycling routes and usually have peak hour stopping prohibitions superimposed over the other on-street traffic regulations. Arterial roads also have higher levels of maintenance and are always among the first to be cleared of snow following winter storms. Because of their importance in the road hierarchy, it is essential that they be kept clear of illegally parked vehicles at all times. The proposed parking enforcement standards reflect this importance. Similarly, collector roads are lower in the road hierarchy and, while still having high enforcement standards, are a lower priority for enforcement resources. The enforcement standards developed for all the road classifications were based on this method of prioritization.

Safety was also an important consideration when developing the enforcement standards. Signed traffic regulations are proactively enforced because they are implemented for road safety and traffic operational requirements. Examples of signed regulations that are proactively enforced are parking within 30m of an intersection controlled by a traffic control signal, parking in front of or within 8m of a lot on which there is a fire station, stopping on a highway adjacent to a school, park or playground between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m., stopping within the turning basin of a cul-de-sac, etc. Unsigned regulations, on the other hand, and while still important, may be responded to on a lower priority reactive basis, particularly on local roads and lanes. Notwithstanding, unsigned regulations that are safety related such as blocking fire hydrants, obstructing traffic movements, parking on sidewalks, obstructing the use of a laneway or driveway, etc., would be proactively enforced. This also is reflected in the proposed enforcement standards.

Appendix 1 provides a summary of the proposed enforcement standards for the various road classifications.

Appendix 2 includes the detailed enforcement standards for each type of traffic regulation.

Following Council approval and staff implementation of the new enforcement standards, public reaction to the uniform standards will be monitored for six months and, if necessary, adjustments will be made as required responding to valid concerns.

RURAL IMPLICATIONS

The rural areas of the new City of Ottawa (defined as the former Townships of Goulbourn, Osgoode, Rideau, West Carleton, and the rural sections of the former Cities of Nepean, Kanata, Gloucester and Cumberland) will continue to have their traffic by-law requirements managed by generalist by-law enforcement staff of the Emergency and Protective Services Department. The reasons for this are that:

(a) the enforcement standards as presented in this report are based on urban/suburban requirements and are not applicable to rural roads; and

(b) the traffic enforcement requirements for urban/suburban areas are higher than for rural areas because an illegally parked vehicle in an urban area can have a disproportionately high impact on both traffic management and road safety in the immediate area and adjacent neighborhood if gridlock results, while an illegally parked vehicle in a rural area has little or no impact on other vehicles or neighboring residences.

For rural areas the enforcement standard is generally reactive in nature, with proactive enforcement on safety related traffic regulations within the urban areas of the rural municipalities.

SPECIAL EVENTS

Major special events create unique parking enforcement challenges. Ottawa hosts national events such as Canada Day and memorial ceremonies at the National War Memorial, and local major events such as Winterlude, Bluesfest, Jazz Festival, Ontario Francophone Festival, etc. Added to this are major parades such as the Help Santa Toy Parade, Gay Pride Parade and the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and major demonstrations such as G20, G8, etc. Major sports events can include the National Capital Marathon and Renegades football games. Many similar but smaller in scope special events occur throughout the year.

These events all invite or attract large numbers of both participants and attendees. Although residents and visitors are encouraged to use public transportation to attend these events, many attendees drive their vehicles to the vicinity of the event and park in every available spot, often disregarding the signed and unsigned parking regulations.

Major special events, particularly national events and festivals, add vibrancy to the city and are an attraction to residents and tourists alike. However, while staff attempt to minimize disruption to the greatest degree possible, all special events will by their nature inconvenience some of the population and/or businesses to some degree, will create traffic detours and require altered bus service. In the past, Departmental staff has tried to work with festival organizers at formal and informal planning sessions, depending on the scope and direction of the event. This ad hoc approach has been met with mixed reaction from the various stakeholders.

The Department will be commencing a review of this issue over the next few weeks to consider the degree to which traffic regulations should be enforced in the vicinity of special events, and to provide some parking tolerance to special event attendees, similar to the noise tolerance and traffic detour tolerance.

It is anticipated that the report will be brought forward for review by Council in the first quarter of 2003. Development of the new enforcement standard for special events will require extensive consultation with Councillors, special event organizers, community associations, emergency service providers, business associations, Business Improvement Areas, Hoteliers Association, and other interested and affected stakeholders.

Overnight Winter Parking Prohibition

Rational

The existing Overnight Winter Parking Prohibition is as follows. Section 15(4) of Traffic and Parking By-law No. 1 of 1996 states:

“No person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on a highway at anytime between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from November 15 to April 1.”

This provision is identical in all Traffic and Parking By-laws of the former municipalities.

The overnight winter parking prohibition is required to support the City’s snow clearing and removal operations. It ensures that parked vehicles do not interfere with snow clearing and removal operations in order to allow the City to make roads and sidewalks safe and passable in the most effective and productive manner. Parking enforcement activities ensure that residents are informed of the prohibition and enforce the prohibition in a manner that is coordinated with snow clearing and removal operations.

Existing Practices

The following chart describes the current enforcement policies within the urban/suburban areas during the period that the overnight winter parking prohibition is in effect. The remainder of the municipalities are enforced on a complaint basis only.

Enforcement Policies of Former Urban/Suburban Municipalities During Overnight Winter Parking Prohibition
Former Municipality	Service Level
City of Cumberland	Proactive every night while prohibition is in effect
City of Gloucester	Proactive first 2 weeks prohibition is in effect, than reactive until prohibition is ended. Proactive in conjunction with snow clearing by Surface Operations
City of Vanier	Proactive every night from first snowfall to 1 April
City of Ottawa	Proactive when 7 cm of snow is forecast or when snowplows have been deployed, otherwise reactive until prohibition is ended.
City of Nepean	Proactive one day per week. Proactive in conjunction with snow clearing by Surface Operations
City of Kanata	Proactive in conjunction with snow clearing by Surface Operations
Others	Reactive to complaints and proactive in conjunction with snow clearing by Surface Operations

For former City of Ottawa streets and former Regional roads situated within the former City of Ottawa, the overnight winter parking prohibition takes effect only if a report from the Environment Canada Atmospheric Environment Service or the City’s Weather Consultant forecasts an accumulation of snow of seven (7cm) centimetres or more, or a range of accumulation of snow which includes seven (7cm) centimetres or more.

The General Manager, Transportation, Utilities and Public Works may suspend the overnight winter parking prohibition in the former City of Ottawa if the fall or accumulation of snow, ice or rain is such as not to unduly interfere with the snow and ice removal functions, regular highway maintenance or the proper use and movement of vehicles on the highway, or reinstate the overnight winter parking prohibition as necessary in response to weather conditions.

Recommended Practice for the City of Ottawa

For the 2002/2003 winter season, it is both desirable and necessary to develop a new overnight winter parking prohibition that can be applied and enforced in a consistent manner across the City. This will ensure a consistent understanding on the part of the public as to when the parking prohibition is in effect, regardless of geographic location within the City.

Of the two existing approaches, it is recommended that a prohibition that is in effect only when weather conditions are warranted be considered. This more closely aligns with the City’s snow clearing and removal operations and with public expectations by minimizing inconveniences between storm events. This means that the overnight winter parking prohibition would be in effect only if a report from the Environment Canada Atmospheric Environment Service or the City’s Weather Consultant forecasts an accumulation of snow of seven (7cm) centimetres or more, or a range of accumulation of snow which includes seven (7cm) centimetres or more. Public notification would continue in accordance with the process established by the former City of Ottawa (i.e. pre-season notifications, radio public service announcements prior to prohibition taking effect).

For the area outside the limits of the former City of Ottawa, this will have an impact on the City’s ability to undertake cleanup operations between storm events and could compromise it’s ability to achieve the service standards of the former municipalities. In addition, given the City’s large geographic area, from time to time it may be that the prohibition will be in effect but the weather conditions will not warrant it in all parts of the City. However, this will be less frequent than having a constant prohibition and enforcement levels will be applied accordingly. The proposed enforcement standards are attached as Appendix 2. During the period in which the overnight ban is called into effect, parking enforcement regulations will be strictly enforced.

Given the adjustments involved, it is proposed that the recommended overnight winter parking prohibition be implemented as a pilot for the 2002/2003 winter season. Following the winter season, a report would be submitted to this Committee outlining the operational and enforcement issues encountered throughout the winter season and making additional recommendations on a permanent practice.

TRANSPORTATION MASTER PLAN

Effective enforcement of traffic regulations is one component of an efficient Transportation System Management (TSM) program. Section 2.5.2 of the former Region’s Transportation Master Plan states that it “incorporates the principle of maximizing the operational efficiency of infrastructure…and assumes that a continued emphasis on traffic control system optimization will contribute to a five percent increase in roadway capacity from today to the end of the planning period”. The same section further states that “the principal tools of TSM are the elements of the traffic control system including signs, signals, pavement markings and regulations. The TSM strategy will help to promote travel by walking, cycling and transit through the use of those tools”.

The Traffic and Parking Operations Branches’ Parking Enforcement Section is one tool in the TSM arsenal of traffic management alternatives to ensure that bus routes are not blocked during peak and off-peak periods, cycling lanes and sidewalks are not blocked with parked vehicles, arterial roads are cleared of parked vehicles during peak hours, and a host of other enforcement initiatives to maximize “the operational efficiency of infrastructure”.

ENVIRONMENTAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no direct easily quantifiable environmental implications.

Notwithstanding, and while difficult to quantify, there are indirect environmental implications, including:

(a) traffic gridlock, resulting in added costs for delays in merchandise deliveries, personal time cost, increased vehicular maintenance costs for continual stops and starts, etc.;

(b) increased pollutants such as carbon monoxide and hydrocarbons emissions, resulting from decelerating vehicles, idling engines in traffic queues, and accelerating again to the desired speed. An additional pollutant is brake pad dust created during the deceleration phase of stopping; and,

CONSULTATION

The report was circulated to Council’s Advisory Committees for their information. Additional consultation was not conducted because:

(a) the traffic regulations being enforced are found in the Traffic and Parking By-law, and there has been a unified by-law, for all intents and purposes, in place since the early 1970s (each former municipality had its own Traffic and Parking By-law, but they were modeled after the former Region’s By-law), and the public is aware of the regulations;

(b) each former municipality would have enforced the same regulations, the only difference being enforcement priorities based on resources available, i.e. proactively enforced regulations versus reactively enforced regulations; and,

(c) in addition, over the years former municipal staff would have met with Business Improvement Area and Community Association representatives to discuss by-law enforcement and related enforcement priority issues, and these are still reflected in the new enforcement standards.

It is important to note that the enforcement standards will continue to evolve in response to specific identified needs of the community.

Public consultation will be conducted for the Special Event Parking Enforcement Policy and Overnight Winter Parking Prohibition and enforcement strategy when staff has completed their reviews.

FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS

There are no financial implications in implementing the new Parking Enforcement Standards.

ATTACHMENTS

APPENDIX 1 - Road Classification – Related Level of Enforcement Service

APPENDIX 2 - Parking Enforcement Standards (Issued Separately)

DISPOSITION

The levels of service for parking enforcement will be implemented upon Council approval.

APPENDIX 1

ROAD CLASSIFICATION – RELATED LEVEL OF ENFORCEMENT SERVICE

Arterial Roads

· All parking violations will be enforced on a proactive basis.

· Generally, all roads will be patrolled a minimum of three times daily, time/resources permitting.

· Roads signed with peak-hour stopping prohibitions will be patrolled at a greater frequency during morning and afternoon rush hours.

· Officers will respond to requests for service from the public. Such requests will be incorporated into regular patrols in such a way that disruption to the regular patrol is minimized.

· Requests identified as an emergency situation will be responded to as soon as resources permit.

Collector Roads

· All parking violations will be enforced on a proactive basis.

· Generally, all roads will be patrolled a minimum of two times daily, time/resources permitting.

· Roads signed with peak hour stopping prohibitions will be patrolled at a greater frequency during morning and afternoon rush hours.

· Officers will respond to requests for service from the public. Such requests will be incorporated into regular patrols in such a way that disruption to the regular patrol is minimized.

· Requests identified as an emergency situation will be responded to as soon as resources permit.

Local Roads

· Parking violations will be enforced on a proactive and a reactive basis. Officers will respond to requests for service from the public as resources permit.

· Officers will provide regular, proactive patrols in specifically identified priority areas. Streets identified within priority areas will generally be patrolled a minimum of two times daily, time/resources permitting.

· For specifically identified problem areas, requests for service from the public will be incorporated into regular patrols in such a way that disruption to the regular patrol is minimized.

· Proactive patrol of unsigned regulations in non-identified problem areas will be provided for all signed offences and where violations have been deemed to create a safety hazard or impede general vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

· Requests identified as an emergency situation will be responded to as soon as resources permit.

Lanes (Private and Public)

· Parking violations will be enforced on a reactive and a proactive basis.

· Proactive enforcement will be carried out where enforcement has been deemed necessary for safety reasons, in Identified Priority Areas and for any signed parking regulations.

· Officers will respond to requests for service from the public as resources permit.

· Requests identified as an emergency situation will be responded to as soon as resources permit.

APPENDIX 2

TRAFFIC AND PARKING OPERATIONS BRANCH

PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARDS

INDEX

1.0 Parking Enforcement – On-Street Offences

1.1 Designated “No Stopping” Areas

1.2 Designated “No Parking” Areas

1.3 Designated Fire Routes

1.4 Designated Loading Zones

1.5 Special Events

1.6 Designated Metered Parking Areas

1.7 Parking in Excess of Posted Time Limit

1.8 Parking in Excess of General Three Hour Limit

1.9 Priority Locations in Residential Areas

1.10 Places of Worship

1.11 Pay and Display Parking Areas

2.0 Parking Enforcement – Private Property

2.1 Unauthorized Parking on Private Property

2.2 Unauthorized Parking on Parkland

2.3 Unauthorized Parking on City of Ottawa Property

2.4 Parking for the Physically Disabled

3.0 Parking Enforcement – Winter Programs

3.1 Overnight Winter Parking Prohibition

3.2 Interfering With Snow Clearing

3.3 Towing of Vehicles – Snow Removal Operations

4.0 Parking Enforcement – General

4.1 Designated Spaces – Removal of Unauthorized Vehicles

4.2 Courtesy Notices

4.3 Tour Buses

4.4 Statutory Holidays

5.0 Policies and Procedures – General

5.1 Towing of Vehicles – General Policy

5.2 Saturday Parking Enforcement Policy - CBD

1.1

DESIGNATED “NO STOPPING” AREAS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objectives for maintaining unobstructed “No Stopping” areas are to:

· ensure the free movement of public transit vehicles on Reserved Bus Lanes;

· ensure the free movement of public transit and general vehicular traffic on high volume routes; and

· maintain vehicle free areas along the edge of roadway for various safety reasons.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Definition

“Stop” or “Stopping” when prohibited, means the halting of a vehicle, even momentarily, whether occupied or not, except when necessary to avoid conflict with other traffic or in compliance with the directions of a constable or other police officer or of a traffic control sign or signal.

Signed Prohibition

Where official “No Stopping” signs have been erected no person shall stop a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain stopped on any highway. Within the City of Ottawa there are signed areas which prohibit stopping at anytime and signed areas which prohibit stopping during peak hours, as specified on the sign.

Unsigned Prohibition

There are many unsigned stopping prohibitions where it is assumed and expected that no person shall stop a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain stopped, except as is necessary in normal traffic, such as:

· on or partly on or over a sidewalk or footpath;

· within an intersection or crosswalk;

· in a bus zone (within 34 metres on the approach side and 18 metres on the leaving side of a bus stop);

· at a school crosswalk (within 30 metres on the approach side and 10 metres on the leaving side between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.);

· in a school bus loading zone, police vehicles zone or taxi zone;

· on the roadway side of any stopped or parked vehicle (commonly referred to as double parking);

· within 30 metres of either end or upon any bridge or elevated structure or within any tunnel or underpass;

· on and adjacent to the median between the two directions of a divided roadway;

· at a rail crossing (within 30 metres on the approach side and 15 metres on the leaving side); and

· on an outer boulevard (the area between the edge of the roadway or shoulder and the sidewalk).

Violation

A vehicle stopped in contravention of a signed or unsigned regulation shall be ticketed.

Exceptions

Notwithstanding the “No Stopping” provisions noted above, a taxicab, or vehicle equipped with a physically disabled parking permit or license plate, may stop briefly in a designated “No Stopping” area for the purpose of receiving or discharging passengers.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles engaged in activity affecting public safety or undertaking on-site work are exempted from “No Stopping” provisions.

Removal of Vehicle

A vehicle may be towed during peak hours if obstruction to the free movement of traffic is occurring, or about to occur.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Vehicular Breakdown

In cases of mechanical breakdown, a reasonable time shall be allowed for the removal of a vehicle, but this time shall not normally exceed one hour without the issuance of a ticket. Notwithstanding, the vehicle may be towed if the vehicle is or is about to obstruct the free movement of traffic.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple “No Stopping” tickets may be issued at the rate of two tickets per day. No two tickets will be issued within one three-hour time period.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR		LOCAL	LANES
No Stopping – Signed	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE		PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE
No Stopping - Unsigned	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE		PROACTIVE · Within an intersection or crosswalk; between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. within a school crosswalk zone · Adjacent to or across from any excavation or obstruction in the roadway when the free flow of traffic would thereby be impeded · Within 30 m of the approach side of the nearest rail of any level crossing of a railway · Within 15 m of the leaving side of the nearest rail of any level crossing of a railway	REACTIVE
			REACTIVE · All remaining unsigned stopping regulations

1.2

DESIGNATED “NO PARKING” AREAS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objectives for maintaining unobstructed “No Parking” areas are to:

· facilitate the smooth flow of traffic; and

· ensure the safe movement of pedestrian traffic.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Definition

“Park” or “Parking” when prohibited means the standing of a vehicle whether occupied or not, except when standing temporarily for the purpose of and while actually engaged in the loading or unloading of merchandise or passengers.

Signed Prohibition

Where official “No Parking” signs have been erected, the Traffic and Parking By-law directs that no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on any street at any time or during the times or days specified on the sign.

Unsigned Prohibition

There are many unsigned parking prohibitions where it is assumed and expected that vehicles will not park, such as:

· at a parking meter which has been hooded;

· within 9 metres of an intersection;

· within 3 metres of a fire hydrant;

· in front of or within 1.5 metres of a laneway or driveway;

· so as to obstruct a vehicle in the use of any laneway or driveway;

· in such a manner that will prevent the removal of any other vehicle previously parked;

· on the roadway for the purpose of displaying the vehicle for sale;

· on either side of a roadway where the roadway width is 6 metres or less;

· on an inner boulevard, which is the area between the sidewalk and the adjacent property line; or where there is no sidewalk, between the roadway shoulder and the adjacent property line; or where there is no shoulder or sidewalk, between the roadway and the adjacent property line;

· on a two-way street with the left side of the vehicle adjacent to the curb or edge of roadway; and

· within 300 metres when moving a vehicle after having parked for the allotted time.

Violation

A vehicle parked in contravention of a signed or unsigned regulation shall be ticketed.

Exceptions

Notwithstanding the “No Parking” provisions noted above, a vehicle equipped with a physically disabled parking permit or license plate, may park for a period of up to 4 hours in designated “No Parking” areas.

Vehicle operators displaying a valid “Small Business Notice” in accordance with the conditions governing the use of these Notices, will be permitted to be away from their vehicle for a period of time not to exceed fifteen minutes before a ticket is issued.

Vehicle operators actively engaged in the loading or unloading of goods and merchandise from the vehicle in a signed “No Parking” area.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles engaged in activity affecting public safety or undertaking on-site work are exempted from “No Parking” provisions.

Removal of Vehicle

A vehicle may be towed during peak hours if obstruction to the movement of traffic is occurring or about to occur.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple “No Parking” tickets may be issued at rate of two tickets per day (plus an additional peak hour “No Stopping” ticket for each rush hour period if applicable). No two “No Parking” tickets will be issued within one three-hour time period.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
No Parking – Signed	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE
No Parking – Unsigned	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE · At a parking meter which has been hooded; · Within 9 metres of an intersection; · Within 3 metres of a fire hydrant; · So as to obstruct a vehicle in the use of any laneway or driveway*; · In such a position that will prevent the convenient removal of any other vehicle previously parked or standing; · On a two-way street with the left side of the vehicle adjacent to the curb or edge of roadway.	REACTIVE
			REACTIVE · In front of or within 1.5 metres of a laneway or driveway* · On the roadway for the purpose of displaying the vehicle for sale; · On the travelled portion of the roadway where the roadway width is 6 metres or less when vehicular traffic is impeded; · On either side of a roadway where the roadway is 6 metres or less; · On an inner boulevard which is the area between the sidewalk and the adjacent property line; or where there is no sidewalk, between the roadway shoulder and the adjacent property line; or where there is no shoulder or sidewalk, between the roadway and the adjacent property line; · On a driveway* within 1 metre of a sidewalk or if there is no sidewalk, within 3 metres of the roadway.
*Driveway means that part of a highway improved to provide vehicular access from the roadway to a laneway or a parking area on adjacent land. There must be some physical means of improvement by way of a ramp, a rolled curb, or a depressed curb at the point where the driveway meets the roadway. Should no physical improvement be in existence at the complaint source, officers will not issue a ticket.

1.3

DESIGNATED FIRE ROUTES

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for maintaining clear fire routes is to provide unobstructed access for fire apparatus and other emergency vehicles in the event of a fire.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Violation

Vehicles observed parked or left in any road, lane, or ramp officially designated as a fire route shall be ticketed. Vehicles displaying a physically disabled parking permit are not exempt.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles engaged in activity affecting public safety or undertaking on-site work is exempted from the “Fire Route” provisions.

Removal of Vehicle

A vehicle may be towed if obstruction to access by Fire Prevention apparatus or vehicles is occurring or about to occur.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Vehicular Breakdown

In cases of mechanical breakdown, a reasonable time may be allowed for the removal of a vehicle but this time will not normally exceed one hour without the issuance of a ticket. Notwithstanding, the vehicle may be towed if the vehicle is or is about to obstruct the movement of traffic.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple “Fire Route” tickets may be issued at the rate of two tickets per day. No two “Fire Route” tickets will be issued within one three hour time period.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Designated Fire Routes	N/A	N/A	N/A	PROACTIVE
Undesignated Fire Routes	N/A	N/A	N/A	REACTIVE

1.4

DESIGNATED LOADING ZONES

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for enforcing loading zones is to ensure that the zone is continuously available for use by businesses, institutions and any other similar legitimate user for loading and unloading merchandise.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Violation

Where official signs have been erected, vehicles may be ticketed in accordance with the following:

· Upon observing a vehicle parked in a loading zone with no loading or unloading activity taking place, Parking Control Officers will chalk the vehicle’s tire.

· After the expiration of fifteen (15) minutes, the Parking Control Officer will return to the area and should the vehicle remain parked in the loading zone with no loading or unloading activity taking place, a ticket shall be issued.

Peak Hours

Where a loading zone is concurrently signed as a tow away zone during peak periods, the vehicle shall be ticketed and towed without being chalked.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Loading Zones	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	REACTIVE

1.5

SPECIAL EVENTS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objectives for establishing a quality standard for special events are to:

· provide for the free movement and easy access of all emergency vehicles;

· maintain clear and passable bus routes;

· facilitate efficient flow of general vehicular traffic;

· provide safe movement of pedestrian traffic;

· ensure fair access to short–term, on-street parking; and

· ensure clear access to private lanes and driveways.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Special events are becoming more numerous each year and range from demonstrations (large and small), sports events, parades, festivals, national events such as Canada Day and Winterlude, memorial ceremonies at the National War Memorial, etc. Enforcement staff liaise with event organizers, community representatives, police, ward Councillors, local BIA representatives and other stakeholders to determine on-street enforcement requirements during the events. The following interim enforcement standard will be applied as normal practice until Council has approved a new policy.

REGULATION

ARTERIAL

COLLECTOR

LOCAL

LANES

Special Events – Signed

PROACTIVE

Special Event – Unsigned

PROACTIVE

· Vehicles deemed to create safety hazards, or impede general vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

REACTIVE

· For remainder

REACTIVE

Note:

A new parking enforcement standard for special events will be the subject of a separate report in 2003. Development of the new standard will require extensive public consultation with ward Councillors, special event organizers, community associations, emergency service providers, business associations, Business Improvement Areas, Hoteliers Association, and other interested and affected stakeholders.

1.6

DESIGNATED METERED PARKING AREAS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for maintaining metered parking areas is to provide convenient, accessible and turnover of short-term on-street parking.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Definition

Where parking meters have been installed no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to be remain parked unless the meter is activated by depositing a coin or inserting a smart card and the meter indicates available time paid for in accordance with the rate per hour between the indicated time limits when the meter is in effect.

Expired Time

Where time has expired, a ticket shall be issued immediately.

Peak Hours

Where peak hour “No Stopping” restrictions are in place, a parking meter may not be employed. In such instances, a “No Stopping” ticket shall be issued immediately and the vehicle may be towed.

Meter Feeding

Meter feeding, to extend the metered time beyond the normal maximum time on the meter, is not permitted at on-street metered spaces.

Chalking of Tires

Time violations of this type may be monitored via the chalking of tires or other means. Upon proof of overtime parking a ticket shall be issued. Only the Parking Control Officer who originally marked the vehicle may issue a ticket for the overtime violation.

Malfunctioning Meter

No ticket will be issued if a meter is malfunctioning. A malfunctioning meter, however, does not entitle a motorist to park for free for a period of time longer than the normal time limit indicated on the signs. If a vehicle is found to exceed that limit a ticket shall be issued.

Vehicular Breakdown

In cases of mechanical breakdown a reasonable time may be allowed for the removal of the vehicle, but this time will not normally exceed one hour without the issuance of a ticket.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles engaged in activity affecting public safety or undertaking on-site work, are exempted from parking meter regulations.

Physically Disabled Parking Permit

Vehicles equipped with a physically disabled parking permit may park for free at any parking meter for a period of up to 4 hours, regardless of the time limit specified on the meter, except during peak “No Stopping” periods.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple “Overtime Parking” tickets may be issued at the rate of two tickets per day (plus an additional peak hour “No Stopping” ticket for each rush hour period if applicable). No two “Overtime Parking” tickets will be issued within one three hour period.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Meter – Related Parking Offences	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	N/A

1.7

PARKING IN EXCESS OF POSTED TIME LIMIT

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for maintaining areas with posted time limits is to ensure that vehicles have adequate, convenient short-term parking that is not employed for an entire day. Additionally, it ensures vehicular turnover in commercial areas.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Definition

Where official signs have been erected establishing a maximum parking limit, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked for a period of time longer than the limit specified on the sign.

Violation

Any vehicle observed parked for a period of time longer than the prescribed limit shall be issued a ticket.

Chalking of Tires

Time violations of this type may be monitored via the chalking of tires, or other means. Upon verification of overtime parking a ticket shall be issued. Only the Parking Control Officer who originally marked the vehicle may issue a ticket for the overtime violation.

Vehicular Breakdown

In cases of mechanical breakdown a reasonable time may be allowed for the removal of a vehicle but this time will not normally exceed one hour without the issuance of a ticket.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles engaged in activity affecting public safety or undertaking on-site work are exempted from the time limit provisions of the By-law.

Physically Disabled Parking Permits

Parking time limits for vehicles equipped with a physically disabled parking permit or license plate are extended to 4 hours, regardless of the time limit posted on the signs.

Multiple Tickets

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Overtime Parking in Excess of Posted Time Limits	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	REACTIVE

1.8

PARKING IN EXCESS OF GENERAL THREE HOUR LIMIT

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for enforcing the unsigned three-hour general parking limit is to discourage all day parking and ease congestion on the City’s residential streets. In the absence of signed regulations, the unsigned three hour general parking limit is automatically in effect.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

General Time Limit

Where there are no regulatory signs, parking is limited to a maximum of three hours between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Violation

Except in areas identified as priority enforcement areas, vehicles parked in contravention of the three-hour limit shall be ticketed on a request-for-service basis, as resources permit.

Chalking of Tires

Time violations of this type may be monitored via the chalking of tires, or other means. Upon proof of overtime parking a ticket shall be issued. Only the Parking Control Officer who originally marked the vehicle may issue a ticket for overtime violation.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles engaged in activity affecting public safety or undertaking on-site work are exempted from the time limit provisions of the By-law.

Physically Disabled Parking Permit

Parking time limits for vehicles equipped with a physically disabled parking permit or license plate are extended to 4 hours.

Vehicular Breakdown

In cases of mechanical breakdown a reasonable time may be allowed for the removal of the vehicle but this time will not normally exceed one hour beyond the three-hour limit without the issuance of a ticket.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Multiple Tickets

REGULATION

ARTERIAL

COLLECTOR

LOCAL

LANES

Overtime Parking in Excess of Three Hour General Limit – Unsigned

PROACTIVE

(Priority enforcement areas – see S.1.9)

REACTIVE

(Non Priority enforcement areas)

REACTIVE

1.9

PRIORITY LOCATIONS IN RESIDENTIAL AREAS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective of parking enforcement in residential areas is to discourage all day parking and other violations to ease congestion on streets in priority locations.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Background

The classification by class of road is intended to establish an objective minimum standard for all roads on the basis of volume. It is recognized that there are a number of priority enforcement areas, not explicitly specified via designation by class of road, which will receive an enhanced level of enforcement service.

These unique enforcement areas have evolved as a result of distinctive community characteristics. In many cases, particularly important institutions (i.e. hospitals, universities, and shopping centres) have shaped the traffic patterns and problems in the surrounding area. However, an Identified Priority Area can be established based on the number of service requests received on a regular and consistent basis and the ongoing need for enforcement.

In addition, diverse elements such as population density, the concentration of high volume roads, and the availability of off-street parking all combine to influence traffic patterns and problems.

The magnitude and nature of parking problems particular to any given area will, in turn, be reflected by the type and stringency of parking restrictions that have been established in the area.

Patrol Zones

Parking Control will develop a system of patrol zones that will be designed to provide the most effective enforcement of City parking regulations. These zones will be regularly patrolled except in critical or unusual situations that may necessitate modification of the deployment of resources.

Violation

Any vehicle parked in contravention of a signed or unsigned traffic regulation in a priority location on residential streets shall be ticketed.

Problem Areas

For specifically identified problem areas, requests for service from the public will be incorporated into regular patrols in such a way that disruption to regular patrols is minimized.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple tickets may be issued at the rate of two tickets per day. No two tickets will be issued within one three-hour period.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Illegal Parking – Identified Priority Areas	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE

1.10

PLACES OF WORSHIP

O B J E C T I V E

The major objectives for establishing a quality standard for on-street enforcement adjacent to and in the vicinity of places of worship are to:

· provide a consistent and compassionate level of enforcement based on community needs and safety related factors;

· facilitate the safe and unrestricted flow of general vehicular and pedestrian traffic; and

· provide ease of access for emergency vehicles.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Background

The City of Ottawa has developed into a large multi-cultural City and its various religious groups have accordingly grown in number and size. Therefore, to provide an equitable application of enforcement the following quality standard has been developed.

1^st Complaint

Issue Warning Tickets to illegally parked vehicles within the vicinity of the place of worship that has been deemed not to create a safety hazard or impede general vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Parking Control Supervisor will establish contact with a representative from the place of worship to outline concerns.

2^nd Complaint

Issue Warning Tickets to vehicles illegally parked within the vicinity of the place of worship that has been deemed not to create a safety hazard or impede general vehicular or pedestrian traffic.

Parking Control Supervisor will again establish contact with a representative from the place of worship to outline concerns.

3^rd Complaint

Issue tickets to vehicles illegally parked within the vicinity of the place of worship.

If it isn’t possible to issue tickets to all vehicles illegally parked in the vicinity of the place of worship due to resource limitations, tickets will be issued in the following descending order of priority:

· Safety Related Offences

· Laneways – On Complaint

· Signed No Stopping

· Unsigned No Stopping

· Signed No Parking

· Unsigned No Parking.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Places of Worship	REACTIVE	REACTIVE	REACTIVE	REACTIVE

1.11

PAY AND DISPLAY PARKING AREAS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for maintaining pay and display parking areas is to provide convenient and accessible parking and ensure turnover of short-term on-street parking.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Definition

Where pay and display parking machines have been erected, no person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked in a pay and display parking machine space unless the pay and display machine controlling the parking space is used, a fee has been deposited in the machine in accordance with the posted rate, and the receipt issued by the pay and display machine is placed upon the vehicle’s dashboard in a position so that the receipt face is easily seen from outside the vehicle.

Expired Time

Where the time shown on the receipt has expired, a parking ticket shall be issued immediately.

Machine Feeding

Feeding the Pay and Display machine, to extend the time beyond the normal maximum time limit, is not permitted at on-street pay and display spaces.

Chalking of Tires

Time violations of this type may be monitored via the chalking of tires or other means. Upon proof of overtime parking a ticket will be issued. Only the Parking Control Officer who originally marked the vehicle may issue a ticket for the overtime violation.

Malfunctioning Machine

If it is apparent that a pay and display machine is malfunctioning the motorist must go to another pay and display machine to obtain a receipt.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles engaged in activity affecting public safety or undertaking on-site work are exempted from pay and display regulations.

Physically Disabled Parking Permit

Vehicles equipped with a physically disabled parking permit may park for free at any pay and display parking space for a period of up to 4 hours, regardless of the time limit specified, except during peak “No Stopping” periods.

Multiple Tickets

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Pay and Display Related Parking Offences	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	N/A

2.1

UNAUTHORIZED PARKING ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective with respect to private property is to discourage unauthorized parking on privately owned property (off-street violations).

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Service Level

The enforcement of parking violations on private property is provided on a request for service basis, as resources permit, and in such a way that disruption to regular patrol is minimized.

Violation

Vehicles physically situated on private property without authorization shall be ticketed upon the request of the owner or legal occupant of a property.

Notwithstanding the above, where official signs have been erected to prohibit or restrict parking (e.g., authorized Fire Routes or reserved spaces for the Physically Disabled) any vehicles observed parked in contravention of the posted restrictions will be ticketed without the need for request from private property owner. These are safety and accessibility issues that should be proactively enforced.

Removal of Vehicle

Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at the request of the private property owner or occupant.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple “Unauthorized Parking – Private Property” tickets may be issued at the rate of two tickets per day. No two “Unauthorized Parking” tickets will be issued within one three-hour time period.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Unauthorized Private Property	N/A	N/A	N/A	REACTIVE

2.2

UNAUTHORIZED PARKING ON PARKLAND

O B J E C T I V E

The towing of vehicles parked illegally on parkland is intended to:

· serve as a deterrent to motorists who park their vehicles in unauthorized areas in City parks;

· help ensure the safety of persons in the parks;

· protect the parks from environmental damage caused by vehicles; and

· reduce the incidence of damage to street curbs caused by motorists who drive their vehicles across boulevards to parkland for parking purposes.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Removal of Vehicle

Towing will only be considered when a vehicle is illegally parked on City owned or leased parkland where:

(a) the park is signed with a warning that illegally parked vehicles may be towed and the vehicle:

(i) is a threat to the safety of the public,

(ii) impedes activities in the park,

(iii) causes or may cause damage to park surfaces, or

(b) the issuance of tickets over the preceding two (2) week period has failed to deter the practice of illegally parking vehicles on the parkland.

Response to Request

Parking Control Officers will respond to requests by People Services staff, the Ward Councilor, the Transportation and Transit Committee or City Council for the towing of vehicles parked in unauthorized areas on City parkland.

Ticket Issued

A ticket must be issued to a vehicle that is illegally parked prior to the towing of the vehicle.

2.3

UNAUTHORIZED PARKING ON CITY OF OTTAWA PROPERTY

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective with respect to properties owned by the City of Ottawa is to discourage unauthorized parking on lands owned by the City.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Request for Enforcement

A vehicle parked on City property without authorization shall be ticketed upon the request of City Officials having control of the lands.

Violation

Notwithstanding the above, where official signs have been erected to prohibit or restrict parking, any vehicle parked in contravention of the posted restrictions shall be ticketed without the need for a request by a City Official.

Removal of Vehicle

Unauthorized vehicles may be towed at the request of City Officials having control of the lands.

Multiple Tickets

2.4

PARKING FOR THE PHYSICALLY DISABLED

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for maintaining and ensuring the proper utilization of parking spaces reserved for the exclusive use of physically disabled persons is to provide ease of access/egress to/from their destination for persons with physical disabilities.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Violation

Any vehicle parked in a public parking space reserved for physically disabled persons without a valid physically disabled parking permit (displayed on dashboard or sun visor) or license plate shall be ticketed.

Removal of Vehicle

A vehicle may be towed from a designated physically disabled parking space at the request of the private property owner or legal occupant.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple tickets may be issued at the rate of two tickets per day. No two tickets will be issued within one three-hour time period.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Parking for the Physically Disabled	N/A	N/A	N/A	PROACTIVE · City property · Shopping Malls · Private Property REACTIVE · Single property occupant (i.e. restaurant, storefront)

REGULATION

ARTERIAL

COLLECTOR

LOCAL

LANES

Parking for the Physically Disabled

N/A

PROACTIVE

· City property

· Shopping Malls

· Private Property

REACTIVE

· Single property occupant (i.e. restaurant, storefront)

3.1

OVERNIGHT WINTER PARKING PROHIBITION

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for the implementation and enforcement of the Winter Parking prohibition is to facilitate snow-clearing operations as expeditiously as possible and to return roadways (and in particular bus routes) and sidewalks to a safe and passable state.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Overnight Winter Parking Prohibition

No person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on a highway at any time between 1:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from November 15 to April 1.

Exception

The overnight winter parking prohibition shall not come into effect until the City has received a report from the Environment Canada Atmospheric Environment Service or the City’s Weather Consultant which forecasts an accumulation of snow of seven (7 cm) centimetres or more, or a range of accumulation of snow which includes seven (7 cm) centimetres or more.

Suspension of Overnight Winter Parking Prohibition

The General Manager of Transportation, Utilities and Public Works may, by his or her order, suspend the overnight winter parking prohibition within the limits of the City provided that, in his or her opinion, the fall or accumulation of snow, ice or rain is such as not to unduly interfere with the snow and ice removal functions, regular highway maintenance or the proper use and movement of vehicles on the highway.

Violation

Vehicles parked in contravention of the Winter Parking Prohibition shall be ticketed.

Street Parking Permit

Vehicles displaying a valid on-street parking permit issued by the City are exempted from the Winter Parking Prohibition.

Vehicular Breakdown

In cases of mechanical breakdown a reasonable time may be allowed for the removal of a vehicle, but this time will not normally exceed one hour without the issuance of a parking ticket.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple “No Parking” tickets may be issued at the rate of two tickets per overnight period. No two “No Parking” tickets will be issued within one three hour time period.

3.2

INTERFERING WITH SNOW CLEARING

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for enforcement with respect to vehicles interfering with snow clearing is to promote the efficient and effective clearing (plowing) of snow from City streets as expeditiously as possible and to return roadways (and in particular bus routes) and sidewalks to a safe and passable state.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Definition

No person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on any highway so as to interfere in any manner with the work of clearing snow.

Violation

Vehicles parked in contravention of the above-noted provision shall be ticketed.

Emergency Vehicles

Emergency vehicles engaged in activity affecting public safety or undertaking on-site work are exempted from the snow clearing provisions of the By-law.

Removal of Vehicle

A parked vehicle obstructing the snow clearing operation may be towed from the site to an adjacent site.

Office Notification Following Towing

The Parking Control Officer shall notify the Dispatch Centre of all pertinent details of the towed vehicle, including vehicle identification, where the vehicle was, where it was towed to and the time. The Dispatch Centre shall notify the Police Services Branch of the relevant details.

Abandoned Vehicle

An abandoned vehicle may be towed at the initiative of the Parking Control Officer.

Vehicular Breakdown

In cases of mechanical breakdown a reasonable time shall be allowed for the removal of a vehicle but this time shall not normally exceed one hour without the issuance of a ticket. Notwithstanding, the vehicle may be towed if the vehicle is or is about to obstruct the movement of traffic.

Multiple Tickets

Multiple “interfering with snow clearing” tickets may be issued at the rate of two tickets per day. No two tickets will be issued within one three hour period.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Interfering With Snow Clearing	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE

3.3

TOWING OF VEHICLES – SNOW REMOVAL OPERATIONS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective in towing vehicles interfering with snow removal operations is to support the efficient and effective clearing (plowing) of snow from City streets as expeditiously as possible and to return roadways (and in particular bus routes) and sidewalks to a safe and passable state.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Violation

In areas where temporary “no parking - snow removal” signs have been erected, a vehicle parked in such a manner that snow plowing or snow removal operations is hindered, the vehicle shall be ticketed and towed from the site to an adjacent site.

Exception

If the temporary “no parking - snow removal” signs have been removed or are not visible, a ticket will not be issued to a parked vehicle interfering with snow removal operations.

Removal of Vehicle

Where a vehicle is parked in such a manner that snow plowing or snow removal operations is hindered, the vehicle may be towed from the site to an adjacent site.

Towing Instruction

The Parking Control Officer will provide instruction to the tow truck operator on where to deposit the vehicle.

Office Notification Following Towing

Prohibited Towing Locations

Towed vehicles are not to be deposited in the following locations:

· No Stopping Zones

· Bus Zones

· Peak Hour Zones

· Too close to intersections or laneways

· Left side to curb

· Pedestrian crosswalk

Multiple Tickets

Where a vehicle is deposited in an area in which other parking designations prohibit such parking, i.e., “No Parking” zones and a snow removal ticket is visible on the vehicle, subsequent ticketing of the vehicle will not take place for a minimum of twenty-four (24) hours after the initial ticket was issued for the snow removal offence.

4.1	DESIGNATED SPACES – REMOVAL OF
UNAUTHORIZED VEHICLES

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for establishing a policy with respect to towing of unauthorized vehicles parked in an on-street Designated Space are to ensure that valid permit holders of designated spaces are not precluded from conducting business by non-vending vehicles which park or stop in a designated space.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Request for Service

Parking Control Officers will respond to requests for service only from the permit holder assigned an on-street designated space.

Voluntary Removal of Vehicle

Where, upon arrival at the designated space, the Parking Control Officer observes that a vehicle is parked, standing or stopped, which is not the licensed vehicle assigned that designated space, the operator/driver/occupant, if any, of the vehicle will be requested to move it immediately. Where the vehicle is removed immediately no further action will be taken.

Refusal to Move

Where the vehicle operator/driver/occupant refuses to remove the vehicle immediately, the Parking Control Officer will issue a ticket and commence arrangements for the vehicle’s removal.

Unattended Vehicle

Where the vehicle is unattended, the Parking Control Officer will issue a ticket and commence arrangements for the vehicle’s removal.

Peak Hours

Where a no stopping designation is in effect at any on-street designated space, the designated space will no longer be valid during the times when the no stopping designation is in effect. All vehicles, including the permit holder’s vehicle, will be ticketed if located in a no stopping zone, and towed if located in a tow away zone.

Unauthorized Vending Vehicle

When the unauthorized vehicle parked in a designated space is a vending vehicle, the matter will be forwarded to a license inspector for resolution.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Designated Spaces On-street	REACTIVE	REACTIVE	REACTIVE	REACTIVE

4.2

COURTESY NOTICES

O B J E C T I V E

The major objectives for implementing a system of courtesy notices are to:

· advise vehicle owners of a change in enforcement polity in specific areas; and

· alert vehicle owners to newly posted parking restrictions which have been established in the area.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

When to Use

Following the erection of extensive new “No Parking” or “No Stopping” signs or a change of enforcement policy in specific areas, Courtesy Notices may be issued in lieu of parking tickets for a period of time of up to three days following the erection of the signs or implementation of the new policy.

REGULATION	ARTERIAL	COLLECTOR	LOCAL	LANES
Courtesy Notices	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE	PROACTIVE

4.3

TOUR BUSES

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for establishing a policy with respect to ticketing of tour buses is to provide effective enforcement of the parking regulations while recognizing the important role tour buses and tourists play in the City of Ottawa.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Violation

Parking Control Officers will, as part of their regular patrols, enforce the on-street parking designations where tour buses are observed in violation of the posted parking regulations.

Refuse to Move

If the Parking Control Officer encounters a tour bus parked in contravention of the signed regulations, the tour bus operator will be requested to move the bus. If the tour bus operator refuses to move the bus, the Parking Control Officer shall issue a ticket for the violation.

Bus Loading/Unloading

Where a tour bus is actually engaged in the loading or unloading of passengers or luggage or such loading or unloading is about to commence immediately, the tour bus will be permitted to remain at the location.

Unattended Bus in Violation

Tour buses parked or stopped in violation of the parking regulations where the tour bus operator is not present, the tour bus will be ticketed immediately.

Information Dissemination

Parking Control Officers will, at all times, advise tour bus operators of and provide directions to the area designated for tour buses on Commissioner at Wellington. All Parking Control vehicles will carry a supply of the City’s Tour Bus Parking Maps. Officers will provide maps to tour bus operators as required.

4.4

STATUTORY HOLIDAYS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objectives for establishing a policy for ticketing on Statutory Holidays are to:

· maintain an unobstructed flow of traffic; and

· provide for free movement and access for all emergency vehicles, the public and public transit vehicles.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Enforcement Policy

All traffic regulations and fire route regulations will be enforced during statutory holidays in accordance with their normal enforcement standards.

Response Priority

The priority list for requests for service, in descending order, during statutory holidays is as follows:

· fire routes;

· parking for the physically disabled;

· laneways and driveways;

· private property; and

· no stopping zones, no parking zones and bus zones.

General

When Parking Control Officers are not responding to requests for service, emphasis will be placed on pro-active patrols of Fire Routes and Parking for the Physically Disabled areas.

REGULATION

ARTERIAL

COLLECTOR

LOCAL

LANES

Statutory

Holidays

PROACTIVE

5.1

TOWING OF VEHICLES – GENERAL POLICY

O B J E C T I V E

The major objectives for establishing a policy with respect to towing are to:

· promote the safe, unobstructed flow of all traffic throughout the City; and

· provide a simplified set of conditions to ensure the consistent and equitable treatment of all vehicles.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

When to Tow

A vehicle will be towed in accordance with City standards when it has been determined by the Parking Control Officer that the vehicle is obstructing the general flow of traffic, creating a hazard or where it has been determined that the vehicle has been abandoned.

Removal of Vehicle

In general, towing will be initiated where a vehicle is unattended and illegally parked. In all cases, the Parking Control Officer will issue a ticket prior to authorizing the towing of a vehicle. A Parking Control Officer shall initiate towing where vehicles are observed to be:

· obstructing the passage of emergency vehicles;

· parked on arterial or collector roads creating hazardous situations including the obstruction of other vehicles;

· parked or stopped on streets signed as tow away zones;

· blocking access to or from private property laneways;

· interfering with snow removal operations;

· interfering with street paving operations or other similar on-street public works;

· parked on streets signed as emergency routes for special events (e.g. Canada Day, Central Canada Exhibition, interlude, etc);

· parked in excess of 24 hours on arterial or collector roads when two tickets have been issued; and

· unmoved in excess of 48 hours on local roads when two tickets have been issued.

5.2	SATURDAY PARKING ENFORCEMENT POLICY
- COMMERCIAL AREAS

O B J E C T I V E

The major objective for establishing a policy with respect to Saturday parking enforcement is to provide a reasonable level of enforcement when responding to requests-for-service and providing proactive enforcement in priority areas and of priority offences.

SUMMARY OF PARKING ENFORCEMENT STANDARD

Enforcement Policy - CBD

Parking Control Officers will not enforce the time-expired offences on Saturday in the area bounded by Wellington, Elgin, Bronson and Catherine Streets.

All other offences, i.e. No Stopping, No Parking, bus zones, etc, observed in the area bounded by Wellington, Elgin, Bronson and Catherine Streets will be enforced on a proactive basis.

Enforcement Policy - Priority Areas

Proactive enforcement of all offences, including time-expired meters, will be undertaken in the following identified priority areas:

· the By Ward Market;

· the Parkdale Market (in season);

· Elgin Street;

· Somerset Street; and

· Preston Street.

Enforcement Policy – General

PCOs will provide reactive enforcement in accordance with the following criteria.

Requests for service received on Saturday will be responded to on the day received. The same request for service will not be actioned on any subsequent Saturday unless a new request for service is received on that day;

Enforcement resulting from the request for service will be based on the specifics of the complaint;

Where the same request for service is received on a regular or continuous basis and the complaint is substantiated, the location may be included in the list of proactive enforcement areas. Areas included on the list will be reassessed on an on-going basis by the Zone Supervisor with deletions and additions made where appropriate.