Stratford’s once relatively affordable parking fines are set for a big hike starting Wednesday.
Many of the $20 set fines are jumping to $60, or $ 40 if paid within seven days.
Those fines will include parking on a specific street where parking is prohibited, parking within three metres of a fire hydrant, or parking at an expired meter.
Fines that are now at $60 for early payment ($80 set fine) include parking on a roadway or shoulder between 2 a.m. and 6 a.m., which is restricted year-round, as well as parking in a designated bicycle lane or parking in a loading zone.
Parking on any street that obstructs traffic and parking in a school bus zone will net you a $120 set fine. Parking a non-electric vehicle in an electric vehicle parking space is also a $120 set fine.
Parking in a fire route will net you a $300 fine.
City officials have said in the past that fines have not increased in a number of years, and higher fines act as a deterrent.
Parking rates are not increasing. The standard parking rate at on-street parking spaces is $1.50 per hour and the rate in lots is $1.25 per hour.
The City of Stratford notes that payment is required at meters and machines during enforcement hours: April 1 to October 31, Monday to Saturday 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. and November 1 to March 31, Monday to Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.
