Drivers clogging up Toronto streets during peak hours could soon face hefty fines and towing, as the city and Toronto police kick off a two-week crackdown on illegal stopping.
The City of Toronto and the Toronto Police Service (TPS) announced on Monday that a two-week enforcement period will take place until June 27, during which parking enforcement officers will step up patrols along some of the city’s busiest streets between 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. on weekdays.
The focus will be ticketing and towing vehicles that pull over in a marked no-stopping zone, even for a moment.
These zones include stretches near TTC stops, pedestrian crosswalks, and fire hydrants, which are off-limits to stopped vehicles under any circumstance, unless directed by police or traffic signals. More details on parking prohibitions can be found on the city’s website.
The following areas will be targeted in the parking blitz: Adelaide St E. and W., Carlton St., Church St., Dundas St E. and W., Front St E. and W., Gerrard St E. and W., Jarvis St., King St E., Queen S E. and W., Parliament St., Richmond St E. and W., Spadina Ave., Wellington St W., Yonge St., and University Ave.
“Stopping in a No Stopping Zone slows everyone down. A single vehicle can be a big contributor to traffic congestion, especially on our busy downtown corridors. It’s important that everyone obeys the No Stopping signs in these clearly marked areas because we all have a role to play in keeping Toronto moving,” Mayor Olivia Chow said.
The enforcement surge is part of a broader effort to manage congestion across Toronto.
City council directed city staff and police earlier this year in April to carry out two enforcement periods focused on illegal stopping, this one in June, and another one set for the fall.
The fine for stopping in a prohibited area is $190, and vehicles can be towed on the spot.
Toronto Police Chief Superintendent Mandeep Mann said the goal isn’t just to clear traffic, but to make roads safer for everyone.
“When you stop in a no-stopping zone, you’re contributing to congestion and creating an unsafe environment for everyone who is using our roads,” Mann said.
“For the next two weeks, our Parking Enforcement officers will be increasing their enforcement in the downtown core during rush hours to help keep our streets moving. Follow the rules to avoid getting ticketed or towed and keep our roads safe for everyone who uses them.”
After the two-week parking blitz, results will be reviewed to determine the next steps.
