|
 |
Q: Why does my parking ticket cost more than it used to? |
 |
A: A new fine for overtime parking was introduced to deter people from parking all day at on-street meters. Prior to the new fine amounts coming into effect on October 18, 2006, a significant number of people chose to accept a parking ticket and park at a meter all day. Parking meters are designed to encourage "short-stay" parking (usually less than 2 hours) so that many customers and businesses can use the convenient curb-side parking spots.
The previous fine amount of $20 was set in 1981 and was not sufficient to deter people from parking for extended periods at meters on street. The new fine for overtime parking at a meter is $40 with a reduced penalty to $30 if paid within 21 day.
It is the Calgary Parking Authority’s view that the increased fine will act as a deterrent to long-stay and commuter parkers at on-street meters. |
|
|
|
Are parking meters free on holidays? |
|
Parking meters are free on the following holidays: New Year's Day, Alberta Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (if it falls on a Sunday or Monday, then December 27) |
|
|
|
Can I get a temporary residential parking permit until I am able to change my out of province licence? |
|
A three month temporary pemit is available while you change your address and licence. You must provide a current out-of-province registration and official proof-of-residence in Calgary within the required parking zone. Handwritten receipts or letters are not accepted. |
|
|
|
What are the Calgary Parking Authority Holiday Hours of Operation? |
|
HOLIDAY HOURS OF OPERATION
Parking Meters
On-street parking meters remain in effect Monday - Saturday 09:00 - 18:00, with the exception New Year's Day, Alberta Family Day, Good Friday, Easter Monday, Victoria Day, Canada Day, Civic Holiday, Labour Day, Thanksgiving Day, Remembrance Day, Christmas Day and Boxing Day (if it falls on a Sunday or Monday, then December 27)
Calgary Parking Authority Head Office
620 – 9 Ave SW T2P 1L5 |
|
|
|
Are vehicles sold at auction free from liens? |
|
Under the Motor Vehicle Act the last registered owner as well as any lien holder for the vehicle must be notified before the vehicle can be auctioned. Lien holders may claim vehicles that are unclaimed by the vehicle owner. Lien holders that fail to respond to the registered letter advising of the pending disposal forfeit their lien. |
|
|
|
Why do we have a Parking Enforcement program? |
|
Parking Enforcement ensures compliance with The City and Province's parking regulations. Through voluntary compliance Parking Enforcement's role is to improve public safety, traffic flow, and conformance to community standards. This is done through public education and public awareness. Enforcement through ticketing and/or towing is a last resort. |
|
|
|
Why does CPA manage the Municipal Impound Lot? |
|
CPA took over management of the Impound Lot (400-39 Ave SE T2G 5P8) in 1994 in a move to improve customer service at the facility. This change has resulted in a 15% decrease in fees charged to customers for towing and storage of vehicles as well as faster notification to vehicle owners. |
|
|
|
How and where can I pay my parking tag? |
|
There are several methods of payment:
- At a Bank - most banks, trust companies, credit unions and the Alberta Treasury branch accept payment when a tag accompanies the payment
- By Mail - Pay by cheque or money order, do not send cash in the mail.
- Mail to:
The City of Calgary
PO Box 2580 Station M
Calgary, AB T2P 2W9
- In Person - Pay by cash, debit card, cheque or money order at
- The City of Calgary Cashiers, 3rd Floor, Municipal Bldg
800 Macleod Trail S. 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
- Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) Head Office - 620 9th Ave SW
- Night Depository
- Pay by cheque or money order at 323 - 7th Ave SE or 801-3rd St SE
|
|
|
|
What happens if I don't pay my parking tag? |
|
Parking tags are issued to the owner of a vehicle. If a parking tag is not paid, the vehicle owner will receive a reminder notice followed by a `Violation Ticket'. Options listed on the back of the violation ticket include an opportunity to present mitigating circumstances to the court. Do not ignore the court appearance date on the ticket as this would result in a conviction in Provincial Traffic Court and additional court fees would apply.
In addition the vehicle owner will be unable to renew the vehicle registration until all outstanding fines are paid. |
|
|
|
Do I get demerit points against my operator's licence for parking tags? |
|
No, parking violations do not result in demerit points against your licence. |
|
|
|
How does a parking meter operate? |
|
Parking meters are electro-mechanical devices. They operate by means of a 9-volt battery. |
|
|
|
What hours are meters in effect? |
|
Meters operated by the Calgary Parking Authority operate Monday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. After 6 p.m. and Sundays are free. Watch for signs indicating no stopping and no parking zones as these signs restrict parking during rush hour periods as a method of maintaining traffic flow. |
|
|
|
What can I do if I feel a tag was wrongly issued at a malfunctioning meter? |
|
You can request an administrative review of the tag. If the meter shop report supports the malfunction the parking tag will be withdrawn. If no malfunction is shown the tag will stand and you have the option to appeal the tag through the court system. |
|
|
|
Will I receive a parking tag for parking at a malfunctioning meter? |
|
CPA cannot guarantee that a tag will not be issued. Enforcement officers do not tag at an obviously malfunctioning meter however meters may indicate a malfunction temporarily and then clear themselves, no longer showing the malfunction. During the repair process the meter shop will identify if a malfunction occurred.
If you feel a tag has been wrongly issued at a malfunctioning meter, you can request an administrative review of the tag. |
|
|
|
When do I renew my residential permit? |
|
Permits must be renewed yearly. The expiry date is printed on the permit. Permits may be renewed
starting the beginning of the month preceding the expiry month, e.g. expiry date of October 31,
permits available September 1. |
|
|
|
Why do I need a parking permit to park on the street in my area? |
|
Communities may ask for residential parking restrictions to protect their communities from excessive parking in the area. The residents of the community petition through Traffic Operations to have their area restricted. City Council must approve the creation of new zones. If you are a resident in the area you must then display your parking permits to park on the affected streets. The Calgary Parking Authority issues about 14,500 residential parking permits each year. |
|
|
|
Can students living in a residential zone receive a parking permit? |
|
A full-time student, not ordinarily living in Calgary, may apply for a residential permit by bringing the vehicle registration certificate, student identification and a rental agreement showing the correct address within the residential parking zone to the Calgary Parking Authority. |
|
|
|
What is the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA)? |
|
The Calgary Parking Authority manages and operates public parking facilities for The City of
Calgary. In addition CPA is responsible for the residential parking permit program and the parking
enforcement program. |
|
|
|
Where is the Municipal Impound Lot? |
|
The address of the Lot is 400 - 39 Avenue SE T2G 5P8. It is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. |
|
|
|
Why do I pay a towing and storage fee when my car was towed to the Impound Lot after it was reported stolen? |
|
The costs of towing and storage of all vehicles taken to the Impound Lot are the responsibility of the owner of the vehicle. As a vehicle owner you may purchase insurance that covers all costs associated with the theft of your vehicle. If you choose not to purchase this coverage you assume the risk for all costs associated with theft. |
|
Public Parking