PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

HRM Reminds Residents to Plan Ahead for Winter Season

Monday, Nov. 21, 2011 - HRM’s Traffic Authority is piloting a new approach to the winter parking ban this year where the ban will only be enforced during declared snow and ice operations. However, as the ban can come into effect at any time, HRM stresses the importance of staying informed and planning ahead.

Residents are advised to prepare for the winter season now by securing off-street parking for when the overnight parking ban is in effect. The overnight parking regulations can be implemented anytime between Dec. 15 and March 31, and will run from 1 a.m. to 6 a.m. - ending one hour earlier than in previous years.

HRM reminds residents that provincial legislation (Section 139 of the Motor Vehicle Act) requires that people remove their vehicles from the streets, day or night, in the event of a snow or ice event. Vehicles obstructing snow removal or winter maintenance operations can be removed at the owner’s cost, regardless of time or date.

Weather conditions and clearing operations will determine how long an overnight ban will be in effect. HRM will issue public service announcements to alert the public when the ban is in effect and when it has been lifted and timely information will be posted on www.halifax.ca ( http://www.halifax.ca/ )and on HRM’s twitter feed “hfxgov”. Residents can also call 490-4000 for up-to-date information.

NOTE TO MEDIA: Follow HRM on Twitter at “hfxgov” for all winter operations information.

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Contact:

Michaelyn Thompson
HRM Communications
490-5940