City Addresses Unauthorized Parking Concerns
The City of Hamilton said they are “addressing ongoing issues with unauthorized parking in designated residential spaces.”
A spokesperson said, “Non-residents and individuals without valid permits have increasingly been occupying these spaces, both during the day and at night, leaving residents unable to park near their homes. This practice has significantly disrupted the daily lives of residents, forcing many to park far from their homes and walk long distances, which is both unfair and inconvenient.
“Residential parking spaces in the city are clearly marked with signage and are reserved exclusively for residents with valid permits. These permits, identified by a sticker on the vehicle’s window, are issued annually at no cost to residents, as they are included in their taxes. Residents are required to renew their permits either in person at City Hall or online each year.
“The areas most affected by these parking infractions include Princess Street, Union Street, and Angle Street, particularly during the hours of 6 PM to midnight. The City’s Parking Enforcement Officers [PEOs] currently issue between three and ten tickets daily for these violations, with each infraction resulting in a $75 fine. However, due to the frequency and impact of these violations, PEOs have been directed to increase their vigilance and step up enforcement efforts.
“The residential parking system was established to ensure that residents have a reliable place to park near their homes. The abuse of these designated spaces undermines the purpose of the system and creates unnecessary hardship for residents.”
City of Hamilton resident Claire Lightbourne echoed these sentiments saying, “As a resident of Hamilton, I urge motorists to respect the City’s parking rules and refrain from using spots reserved for residents. It’s deeply unfair that those of us who live here often can’t find parking near our homes. We pay taxes, and these spaces are meant for us. Some residents even feel uncomfortable confronting offenders, which adds to the frustration. Please consider the impact on those of us who rely on these spaces and park responsibly.”
The spokesperson said, “The City of Hamilton is urging drivers to respect the rules governing residential parking. This statement serves as a final warning to violators before additional monitoring and stricter enforcement measures are implemented. Residents deserve the right to park near their homes without interference, and the City is committed to ensuring that these spaces remain available for their intended use.
“For more information about residential parking permits or enforcement, please visit www.cityofhamilton.bm.”
I have every sympathy with residents who obtain resident parking permits and then cannot enjoy the benefit of them, but perhaps we could start with people obeying traffic lights and driving dangerously before we try to tackle parking issues.
Gosh, if only vehicles had some way of tracing back to owners. But on the bright side, CALLING ALL TOW TRUCK DRIVERS!