News Release
Illegally Parked Vehicles at Beaches Will Be Ticketed and Towed
(Friday, July 11/2003)--.Halifax Regional Municipality, RCMP (Halifax Detachment), Emergency Health Services, and the Nova Scotia Department of Natural Resources are again warning motorists about illegal parking at beaches in HRM.
Last weekend, RCMP and HRM Parking Enforcement issued a total of 87 illegal parking tickets at beaches within HRM. "No Parking" signs are in place and motorists are advised to not park illegally.
Beach-goers are illegally parking along roadways at Lawrencetown Beach, Martinique Beach, Rainbow Haven Beach, and Queensland Beach. Police and emergency service officials are concerned about the safety of pedestrians and motorists, and caution motorists that illegally parked vehicles could block emergency vehicles en route to an emergency at the beach or elsewhere.
"While most people visit beaches to have fun and relax, this environment can be challenging when accessing patients experiencing a medical emergency" says Michael McKeage, paramedic and Director, Operations for Emergency Health Services. "Beach terrain is difficult to maneuver with a stretcher and medial equipment on the best of days. Every additional obstacle such as blocked emergency access zones can further delay our response."
Over the next few weeks, information flyers will be distributed to beach-goers warning that vehicles parked illegally will be ticketed and towed at the owners expense. Section 143 of the Motor Vehicle Act states "it is an offence for the driver of a vehicle to stop, stand or park the vehicle...at any place where official traffic signs have been erected prohibiting standing and parking." The fine is $15.00 plus towing expenses.
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John O'Brien
HRM Corporate Communications Officer
(902) 490-6531
Const. Peter Marshall
Media Relations RCMP Halifax Detachment
Office: 869-5079
Cell: 229-6523
Susan Mader-Zinck
Communications Advisor
Department of Natural Resources
(902) 424-5239
Jean Spicer
Public Relations Officer
Emergency Health Services
Cell: 456-7213
John Blandin
Halifax Regional Fire and Emergency Services
(cell) 430-3884
