News Release

Uteck Slams Provincial Increase in Minimum Parking Fines

(Thursday, September 7/06)-- Councillor Sue Uteck says she is being flooded with calls from students, hospital workers and business people, who are upset over the tremendous increase in the minimum fine for parking violations in zones with time-limits.

The Province of Nova Scotia recently increased the minimum fine amounts for parking infractions (including Parking Meters) through amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act and the Summary Proceedings Act.

As a result, HRM has no choice but to increase fines in order to comply with the new provincial law. The minimum fine for exceeding the limit in a timed parking zone has increased to $50 from $15.

Councillor Uteck says hundreds of students, hospital workers and visitors use on-street parking during the week in the timed zones in neighbourhoods surrounding Saint Mary’s University, Dalhousie University, King’s College and the hospitals.

“These students, workers and visitors park in the appropriate zones–whether it be limited to one, two, three hours or more, but they have no control over how long their professors will talk, or how long a hospital visit with a sick friend or relative might be,” she said. “Now, they’re coming back to their vehicles and finding $50 tickets. This is ridiculous, not just for students and hospital workers, but for anyone who goes a few minutes over the limit in a timed zone.”

Councillor Uteck says she’s upset that Councillors and the municipality are taking the blame for something the Province did by changing its own legislation.

“The Province gave us no rationale for these increases in the minimum fines. I’m going to make sure the Province gets all the credit it deserves for this foolish move. I urge anyone who receives a parking ticket in a time-limit zone to call the Province and share their views with them on the matter,” she said.

–30—

Councillor Sue Uteck
221-7651