Calgarians parked on snow routes forced to dig out vehicles

UPDATE: This story was updated on June 9, 2016, to remove one man's name and photo at his request for personal safety reasons.

Many Calgariansare scrambling to move their vehicles to avoid a ticket ortow after the city issued asnow route parking ban this morning.

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Snow routes in Skyview Ranch were lined with vehicles earlier today, but Mother Nature may be to blame.

Some residents had to digout their vehicles fromsnowpiledhigher than the door handle after heavy winds during Monday's blizzardcreated massive snowdrifts.

One man, who asked not to be identified, said hecleared out one vehicle, but tooka break before shovellingout hisother one.

"It's tough work, someone's got to do it though," he said. "I won't be going to the gym for a couple days, I'll tell you that."

Under the policy, parking is restricted on designated routesfor 72 hoursor until the city announces the ban hasbeen lifted.

Snow routes include major roadways, collector roads and most bus routes, and are marked by blue signs with a white snowflake icon.

Those who parkon a designated route may be tagged and towed at the owner's expense. The Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) can also charge a$40 fine, which increases as time passes.

ParkPluszones exempt during day

Vehicles can continue to park inParkPluszones located on snow routes during the day from6 a.m. until 9 p.m. MT.

CPA also offers complimentaryovernight use of theirparkadesand parking lotsfrom 9 p.m. to 6 a.m. MTduring snow events.

Patricio Guiterrezhad to boost his carto be able to move it.

"You gotta roll with the punches," he said, but added he wasn't sure where he would move his car to.

Muhammad Syed is in a tough spot.His car broke down a few weeks ago andit's sitting on a snow route.

"Maybe I need to bring a tow truck or something," he said.

Mayor Naheed Nenshi says none of the fivesnow route parkingbans issued by the city so far havelasted the full three days since they were first introduced, but this one could.

City open to reviewing policy

He says if the 72-hour bancauses hardshipfor people, especially if the road is already plowed,then the city can review the policy.

"We need everyone to move their vehicle wherever possible because it makes it safer for everyone," saidNenshi.

"If your car is still there that means that little plot where your car is will never actuallyget plowedthey are not going to plow through you they are going to plow around you and that makes it less safe for everyone. So if you can move your car you should.If you are really immobilized then just leave a noteon your windshield."

Roughly 600 tickets were handed out by CPA before 4:30 p.m., but officials say compliance is improving.

"Every year we have seenan increase in compliance and anincrease in efficiency in terms of snowplowing," saidJulie Yepishina-Gellerwith the city's transportation department on Tuesday.

Completely clearing the snow from roads will help city and school buses, which pullover to the side to pickup passengers.

"Just the logistics of buses being able to move faster if there is no vehicles on the street, it makes for sure that it would help," said TheresaSchroderwith Calgary Transit.

The city has implemented its seven-day snow and ice control plan.

Car2go, acar sharing initiative,is warning customers that if one of itscarsis parked alongone of the snow routes it isthe driver whois responsible for the ticket and tow.