By Mark Campbell
The Toronto Police Service has recently started enforcing a new ticketing system for street parking in Scarborough. Traditionally, Parking Enforcement has operated on a complaints-based system. However, this will now be augmented by a new “blitz system.”
Under the new system, all streets in the area will be patrolled annually with blitzes occurring in different neighbourhoods throughout the year. This means you may still receive a parking ticket even without a complaint from one of your neighbours.
The blitz system has already caused concern for residents in Centennial. With the rise in housing costs, children are living with their parents longer, extended families are living together in increasing numbers, and public transit is underserved in the area. All of this means more cars with no additional space to park.
Councillor Jennifer McKelvie’s office receives several parking concerns a week, noting that some residents wake up in the middle of the night to move cars so they won’t be tagged.
One option may be to allow permit parking, as it currently does not exist in Scarborough. McKelvie says, “Transportation services are currently studying the issue to make recommendations for council. I am committed to working with my council colleagues on a long-term legislative solution.”