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Esquimalt has raised parking fines from $40 to $75 and is expanding bylaw enforcement to Saturdays to improve compliance and parking availability.
Drivers in Esquimalt, British Columbia, face higher parking fines and expanded enforcement after the township increased penalties for parking violations and added Saturday enforcement. The changes, approved by Esquimalt council as updates to the Bylaw Offence Notice system, took effect after remaining largely unchanged since 2014. Officials say the goal is to encourage compliance and make it easier to find parking in busy areas.
Higher Fines Aim to Boost Compliance
For most parking violations, the regular fine has jumped from $40 to $75. The early payment amount has also increased, going from $30 to $50 if the ticket is paid within 14 days. If paid late, the penalty will be $100, compared with $50 previously.
Judy Kitts, Esquimalt’s director of strategic initiatives, said the motivation for updating the bylaw was largely to support greater compliance, not simply to issue more tickets. She said the township hopes to have fewer tickets and change parking behaviour.
Parking accounts for about 95 per cent of Esquimalt’s bylaw offence notices. Kitts noted that a significant amount of staff time is spent on parking enforcement, both proactively and in response to complaints. Those complaints can involve residential parking, vehicles blocking driveways and parking along yellow curbs.
Saturday Enforcement to Begin in Late October
Saturday parking enforcement is expected to begin in late October once a new bylaw officer has completed training. Kitts said the additional coverage is partly aimed at creating more turnover in busy commercial areas.
She explained that the township wants to support businesses and make sure people visiting those areas can easily find parking. Bylaw officers will also have a greater presence at major township events, where they will monitor parking and other potential bylaw violations.
The township plans to take an education-first approach as the new penalties are introduced. Kitts said officers will initially focus on education and warnings while residents adjust to the changes.
Online Payment System Coming This Fall
The township is also working on an online payment system for bylaw tickets, which is expected to be available later this fall. Right now, residents can pay in person at municipal hall or mail a cheque. The online system will give people another option to pay before additional fees or collection notices are issued.
Mayor Barbara Desjardins said in a township news release that the updates are about supporting compliance, improving fairness and making the process easier for residents and visitors. She stated that by bringing penalties in line with other municipalities and improving payment options, the township is taking a practical step toward a more modern and effective bylaw system.
Existing tickets will not be affected by the new rates. They will remain at the amount shown when they were issued.
Esquimalt Parking Fines Bylaw Enforcement Saturday Enforcement Judy Kitts Barbara Desjardins Online Payment
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