Traffic and Parking
Parking Operations
- On-Street Residential Parking
- Fire Route Signs
- Disabled Parking
- Snow Clearing Operations - Parking
- Parking Meters & Parking Machines
Frequently Asked - Parking Questions
- Why have Parking By-law Enforcement?
- How do I avoid receiving a parking ticket?
- How do I pay my parking ticket?
- How do I appeal my parking ticket?
On-Street Residential Parking
On-street parking is not a right but rather a privilege and is subject to any number of functional, safety, geometrics and adjacent land use access characteristics of a given roadway. Parking is permitted on any roadway unless signs are posted to indicate otherwise.
On-street parking must deal with a number of competing uses for a limited amount of curb space. The primary function of a street network is to move vehicles and pedestrians safely and expeditiously. Commercial districts depend upon available curb space for unloading and customer parking and area residents become frustrated at the high level of demand for long term parking spaces in their neighbourhood.
Parking Restriction signs are installed to address the need for additional travel lanes, safety concerns and Emergency Services access to a roadway. Permissive parking signs are installed to limit the amount of time that vehicles may park. These signs are primarily located in business and commercial areas to generate parking turnover for the benefit of the business and their clientele.
Many residents are unaware of the Parking By-laws that are enforceable under by-law 89-2000 and/or the Highway Traffic Act. The following is a list of the most common offences in which signage is not required:
- No person shall stop any vehicle or permit any vehicle to remain sopped on any highway:
- On or partly on or over a sidewalk;
- Adjacent to or across the roadway from any obstruction in the roadway when such action would impede the free flow of traffic;
- On any outer boulevard.
- No person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on any highway:
- Within ten meters (10m) of an intersection;
- Within three meters (3m) of a fire hydrant;
- On an inner boulevard;
- On a driveway within thirty centimetres (30cm) of a sidewalk, between the sidewalk and the roadway or where there is no sidewalk within three meters (3m) of the edge of roadway or one meter (1m) of shoulder;
- In front of or within one and one-half meters (1.5m) of a laneway or driveway or a curb-cut or depressed curb thereto;
- On either side of a roadway so as to obstruct a vehicle in the use of any laneway or driveway;
- In such a position that will prevent the convenient removal of any other vehicle previously stopped, standing or parked;
- For a longer period than 12 hours at any one time;
- On a highway as to interfere with the clearing of snow from the highway.
Fire Route Signs
Fire routes are designated areas on private property where signs are installed to strictly prohibit parking. Public safety is the basis upon which fire routes are established. Fire routes are required to ensure that emergency service vehicles have unimpeded access to a building or its property to minimize the chance of injury, loss of life and property damage.
Under by-law 89-2000 and the Highway Traffic Act, no person is to park their vehicle in a designated Fire Route.
Disabled Parking
Along with designated Fire Routes, designated Disabled Parking is strictly enforced with no exceptions. Due to the misuse of these spots by motorists, Provincial Legislation has increased the set fine to $300.
Snow Clearing Operation - Parking:
No person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on any highway as to interfere with the clearing of snow from the highway.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I park my vehicle on the roadway when it is not snowing?
Yes, Once your roadway has been properly cleared and no further snow clearing operations are required, residents are allowed to continue parking on the roadway as long as locations are not restricted by signage.
Is this By-law in affect regardless of weather conditions?
No, by-law 89-2000, Section 3.13.10, is only in affect during snow clearing operations. Motorists may continue to follow their existing parking behaviour until snow clearing operations begin.
Why are certain vehicles exempt from the by-law?
Residents without driveways may apply for a snow clearing exemption permit. Application Forms may be obtained from the Traffic and Parking Operations Division. Issuance is subject to staff review and approval. Fee is $25.00 per year upon approval.
Fine for parking on a hwy interfering with snow clearing operations
Voluntary payment within 7 days - $45.00after 7 days - Set Fine - $60.00
Parking Meters & Parking Machines
Parking meters and machines are electronic parking control devices in which a motorist deposits coins to purchase a period of time to park a vehicle legally in a particular parking space. A parking meter will automatically indicate when the purchased time has expired and that the vehicle is then in violation. A parking machine, utilized at municipally owned parking lots, will provide the motorists with a ticket that states the expiry time in which a vehicle can park. Once this time has elapsed, the vehicle is then in violation.
An effective parking control and enforcement program is important to the success and viability of a business and commercial district. Business owners, employees and customers all want the ability to park as close to their destination as possible. It is important to generate parking turnover at regular intervals so that all motorists have an equal opportunity to access short-term on-street parking.
Why does the City of Welland have Parking By-law Enforcement?
Safety and public convenience are the two most important reasons for by-law enforcement.
Traffic delays and grid-lock may result when even one vehicle stops momentarily and blocking a travel lane. This can cause motorist frustration and the possibility of road rage increases.
Parking meters and time-limit parking zones are designed to allow short-term parking in high-traffic areas. Motorists who leave vehicles parked over the time-limit frustrate other motorists who wish to shop and do business in the area. Public convenience and the viability of a business district depends upon convenient parking.
How do I avoid receiving a parking ticket
- Look for signs, do not assume parking is permitted
- Read the parking meters and machines, ensure you receive the appropriate time for the amount deposited, if there is a problem, contact the Traffic and Parking Operations Division immediately at 905-735-1700 ext. 2155
- Do Not Park In Disabled Parking, be considerate for parking spaces reserved exclusively for vehicles displaying valid Disabled Person Parking Permits. This is strictly enforced and the set fine through Provincial Legislation is $300
- Stay away from corners and bus Stops
- Use off-street parking, allows for longer term parking at low costs and the majority of parking lots are within a short distance to any business in the downtown core
- Park safely within school zones and be aware of your surroundings
- Respect Residential Parking Restrictions
- Always err on the side of caution
- Do Not Park in Fire Routes even for a minute
How do I pay my parking ticket?
WITHIN 7 DAYS of the date of the alleged parking infraction, you may choose to pay the voluntary payment under OPTION 1 below
or
WITHIN 15 DAYS of the date of the alleged parking infraction, you may choose either OPTION 2 or OPTION 3 below.
If you do not either pay the voluntary payment, the set fine, or request a trial, a conviction may be entered against you without further notice. On conviction you will be required to pay the set fine plus court costs. An administrative fee is payable if the fine goes into default.
All inquiries concerning the alleged infraction should be made to: City of Welland, 60 East Main Street, Welland, by attending in person or by calling (905) 735-1700.
DEFENDANT'S OPTIONS - CHOOSE ONE ONLY
- OPTION 1 - VOLUNTARY PAYMENT WITHIN 7 DAYS OF THE DATE OF THE INFRACTION:
I do not wish to dispute the charge, and enclose the voluntary payment indicated on the front of the parking infraction notice.
PAYMENTS MAY BE MADE AS FOLLOWS:
by mail:
enclose payment in the accompanying return envelope, affix sufficient postage and mail. Please allow sufficient time for payment to be delivered.
In Person:
WELLAND CIVIC SQUARE, 60 EAST MAIN STREET, WELLAND, ON L3B 3X4 from 8:30am to 4:30pm Monday to Friday inclusive (holidays excepted) or use the MAIL DROP BOX at the Civic Square during or after regular business hours.
WRITE THE NUMBER OF THE PARKING INFRACTION NOTICE ON THE FRONT OF YOUR CHEQUE OR MONEY ORDER & MAKE IT PAYABLE TO:
CITY OF WELLAND
DISHONOURED CHEQUES WILL BE SUBJECT TO AN ADMINISTRATIVE CHARGE. DO NOT SEND CASH THROUGH THE MAIL
- OPTION 2 - PAYMENT OF SET FINE WITHIN 15 DAYS OF THE ALLEGED PARKING INFRACTION.
I do not wish to dispute the charge and enclose the set fine indicated on the front of the parking infraction notice.
PAYABLE AS INDICATED IN OPTION 1
- OPTION 3 - TRIAL OPTION
- You or your agent must attend in person at the office shown above within the times and days shown to file a "NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPEAR" in court.
- You or your agent must bring this notice with you.
- You CANNOT set a trial by mail.
NOTICE TO ONTARIO MOTORISTS
Failure to pay the fine imposed upon conviction will results in an order that your Ontario Vehicle Permit not be renewed and that no new permit be issued to you until the fine and all court costs and fees have been paid.
How do I appeal my parking ticket?
The City of Welland operates a "First Attendance Office" as prescribed in the Provincial Offences Act. This office will hear an appeal on any parking violation issued in the City of Welland. You may phone or appear in person. Staff will review all information and respond as promptly as possible.
City of Welland, 60 East Main St . ,Welland (905) 735-1700 ext. 2155
If you wish to take your ticket to court, you must attend in person to City Hall , within the times and days shown to file a "NOTICE OF INTENTION TO APPEAR" in court. (information regarding this is on the back of your parking infraction.)
If you are acting on behalf of the vehicle owner, you are considered an agent, and written permission from the owner of the vehicle is required. If you are requesting a trial as the ticket recipient (other than the owner) the registered owner of the vehicle will also be notified of the court date.
City staff will set a court date and advise you by mail.
Once in court you will present your case before a Justice of the Peace. The City will have a representative in court as well as the officer. Please keep in mind, that the Justice of the Peace will make a decision only on the ticket issued.
If you cannot attend at the date that has been set, please contact :
(905) 735-1700 - Parking & Traffic ext. 2155 or Solicitors Office ext. 2281
If you fail to appear at the time and place set for your trial, you will be deemed not to dispute the charge, and a conviction may be entered against you in your absence, without further notice.
If the Justice of the Peace finds in your favour, there is no cost to you. If the ticket is upheld, you must pay the fine amount as directed by the Justice of the Peace, plus $12.75 court costs. If the ticket is not paid on time the above scenario of conviction costs and MTO costs will be applied.
© 2010 The Corporation of The City of Welland
60 East Main Street, Welland, Ontario L3B 3X4 (905) 735-1700
Business Hours - Monday to Friday 8:30am - 4:30pm