When and where you park in the winter can have a big impact on clearing streets and sidewalks. (And affect emergency vehicles )

The overnight winter parking ban is in effect every year from Dec. 15 until Mar. 31; however, it is only enforced during declared weather events and clearing operations. When the ban is enforced, it restricts any on-street parking between 1 a.m. and 6 a.m. Vehicles in violation of the ban will be ticketed and/or towed.

NOTE: Vehicles can be towed any time during the day or night, any day of the year, if they are interfering with snow-clearing operations, as per Section 139 of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.

The municipality has enhanced enforcement in areas around hospitals and schools, bus routes and problem streets for snow equipment and emergency vehicles.

If possible, consider leaving your car at home. If you need your vehicle, plan ahead and make arrangements for off-street parking when the parking ban is enforced or bad weather is forecasted.

To help avoid a ticket, as well as the inconvenience and cost of being towed, residents should ask themselves these four questions when considering parking on the street this winter:

1. Is the overnight parking ban currently being enforced?
2. Is your vehicle causing a safety issue?
3. Is it making the road impassable?
4. Is it impeding snow operations underway in the area?

If the answer to any of these questions is yes, do not park on the street.

Stay informed

• Understand your responsibilities for complying with the municipal overnight parking ban and Section 139 of the Nova Scotia Motor Vehicle Act.
• The easiest way to know when the parking ban will be enforced is to register for notifications. Residents can also email a request to contact@halifax.ca or call 311. For those who signed up last season, you will continue to receive notifications when the ban is enforced.

Know your options

• HfxRideMatch.ca is a free online service which is supported by the municipality and administered by RideShark. This ride-matching system allows commuters to quickly and securely find carpool partners. By registering, you can find people who are interested in carpooling to work, taking transit, biking and/or walking together or sharing parking spaces.
• Waterfront Development offers winter parking alternatives.

Please think before you park this winter. It will help make the season a little easier on everyone.