Council approves parking ticket fine hikes

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This article was published 20/07/2017 (2469 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Two parking ticket fine increases have received a stamp of approval at Steinbach City Hall.

On Tuesday, councillors unanimously supported the third reading of a bylaw that doubles the fine for parking in an accessible parking spot without displaying a valid permit, from $50 to $100. No discount will be offered for early payment, and the fine excludes costs incurred as a result of towing.

Following a brief report from city manager Troy Warkentin, city council also approved an update to its 15-year-old fine structure for general parking infractions, which had stipulated a $15 fine, discounted to $10 if paid within a week. The new fine amount is $40, to be halved if paid within seven days.

Both increases are effective immediately, and follow a recent revamping of the city’s administrative penalty bylaw, completed after procedural changes made at the provincial level.

According to Warkentin, a review found municipal parking fines in Manitoba communities range from $40 (discounted to $10) to $200 (discounted to $25). Unlike accessible parking fines, general parking fines are traditionally set by administration, rather than with a bylaw, Warkentin explained. At a recent strategic priorities committee meeting, councillors offered suggestions for updating the city’s relevant fine amounts.

Councillor Michael Zwaagstra, who supported both increases, noted the purpose of a parking ticket fine was to encourage correct parking habits rather than generate revenues. While Councillor John Fehr initially stated he preferred a more substantial increase to general parking ticket fines, he later voted in favour of the recommended increase.

Mayor Chris Goertzen said following the meeting that downtown parking issues appear to be minimal, as council seldom hears from retailers and other tenants about improvements needed. Enforcement does happen from time to time, he said, making the fine increases warranted.