WINNIPEG, MB - The City's Annual Snow Route Parking Ban will take effect at 2:00 a.m., Saturday, December 1, 2012. Citizens are reminded that, if they are parking on streets designated as Snow Routes, their vehicles must be moved off these routes by 2:00 a.m. Saturday. Snow Routes are identified by Snow Route signs, and the Snow Route Parking Ban is in effect all winter until March 1 and prohibits parking between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. on all streets designated as Snow Routes.
Snow Routes are a top priority for snow clearing to ensure the fast, safe movement of emergency vehicles (ambulance, fire and police) throughout the winter months. The ban is in effect every night regardless of snow, to facilitate rapid overnight snow clearing should a sudden snowfall occur.
"It is critical that we have the ability to keep these important routes open and clear," said Ken Boyd, Manager of Streets Maintenance, Public Works Department. "The Annual Snow Route Parking Ban helps our snow clearing crews conduct more efficient snow clearing operations. Clear roads provide safe, efficient traffic flow, and ensure emergency vehicles can respond safely," Boyd added.
The City advises residents to check their streets for Snow Route signs, or if unsure, to call 311. Vehicles parked in violation of the Annual Snow Route Parking Ban will receive a ticket in the amount of $100 ($50 if paid early), and may be towed to the towing company's compound.
In addition to the Annual Snow Route Parking Ban, a Declared Parking Ban may be called by the Director of Public Works when additional overnight plowing is required after a snowfall. This ban extends the Annual Snow Route Parking ban by two hours, so when it is declared, vehicles are prohibited from parking on Snow Routes from midnight to 7:00 a.m.
Other than the Annual Snow Route Parking Ban, no other parking bans are in place at this time.
The City offers free email and Twitter notifications which advise subscribers when a parking ban goes into effect. More information about all winter parking bans can be found at knowyourzone.winnipeg.ca or by contacting 311, open 24 hours every day, by phone at 311 or by email at 311@winnipeg.ca.
Motorists are reminded to drive to winter road conditions at all times, and to use extreme caution when driving near any plowing or sanding equipment.
The Snow Route Overnight Parking Ban is put into effect under the terms of the Winter Parking Ban By-Law No. 76/2011, which provides for the automatic implementation of the Snow Route Parking Ban annually from December 1 to March 1 on all streets designated as Snow Routes.