Release:

(Friday, March 4, 2011) — The Overnight Winter Parking Ban in HRM’s urban core will be lifted at one minute to midnight tonight (March 4).   This is the third year in a row the ban has been lifted earlier than expected in recognition of the mild weather forecast for this weekend and next week.

The overnight ban went into effect on December 15, 2010.  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.

“We appreciate the public’s attention to the ban which has been reflected in the number of tickets that were issued this year versus 2009-10.  We understand that there are frustrations with the ban, but the rules always come down to ensuring our streets are well-cleared and safe for our citizens,” said Traffic Authority Ken Reashor.

This year saw a continued decline in number of tickets issued for violation of the ban.  To date there have been 7,637 tickets issued compared with 10,753 issued over the same period last year.  The same period in 2008-09 showed 18,038 tickets issued.

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.