$300 ticket proposed for Calgary parking 'scofflaws'

A Calgary city council committee has endorsed $300 parking tickets in hopes of discouraging drivers from parking all day on downtown streets with short-term meters.

Under existing rules, no matter how long a vehicle remains parked at a two-hour-limit meter, it can only get a $20 ticket. Yet to feed the meter all day costs roughly $28.

To free up downtown parking and discourage parking "scofflaws," it is time to introduce a $300 ticket for drivers who repeatedly stay longer than two hours, said Dale Fraser, general manager of Calgary's parking authority. If paid within 21 days, the ticket would cost $200.

Parking officials have issued nearly 580 tickets to the top 10 violators in the last month alone. "These are companies who consider parking at a parking meter and staying overtime is the cost of doing business in downtown Calgary," said Fraser.

Some downtown businesses argue it's important to keep cars moving in and out of short-term parking because fewer drivers cruising for parking spots means less traffic congestion and pollution. However, paper-shredding companies often overstay their welcome at short-term parking meters.

The shredding of sensitive documents has become a lucrative business in downtown Calgary, but while the truck crews are working, they can take up as many as four metered parking spots. The crews can be diligent in keeping the meters plugged, but they often take up the spots all day.

The leader of one shredder-truck team told CBC News he has no choice but to park on the street because safety rules prevent the trucks from working underground or in most alleys.

The committee is also recommending that the fine for simply letting a parking meter expire be increased from $20 to $40 ($30 if paid within 21 days.)

The new rules are expected to be in place by the middle of next month. Alderman Ric McIver said that with one company continuing to overstay in parking spots despite being issued nearly 250 tickets, it's time to consider towing.