The Overnight Winter Parking Ban in the urban core service area of Halifax Regional Municipality expires at one minute to midnight tonight.

The ban is being lifted earlier than usual this year in recognition of the mild weather and the continuing mild forecast for the remainder of the week.

The overnight ban went into effect on December 14, 2009 in the urban core service area. The ban can remain in place until the end of March but can also be lifted earlier by the HRM Traffic Authority if weather permits.

“The intention was to lift the ban on March 12, but the stretch of milder weather has made it possible to do it now,” said Traffic Authority Ken Reashor.

This year saw 10,503 tickets issued for violation of the ban, compared with 18,038 for the same period last year.

Motorists are reminded that Section 139 of the province’s Motor Vehicle Act provides that parked vehicles obstructing snow removal operations at any time throughout the year may be towed.