Loading Zone Pilot ProjectIn December 2019, the Calgary Parking Authority (CPA) introduced a one-year Loading Zone Pilot Project to increase short-term parking availability, providing more efficient curb space management for businesses and residents alike. The Pilot Project requires loading zone users to register their licence plates in the ParkPlus system to start a free, 20-minute parking session. Due to how significantly COVID-19 altered Calgarians’ parking patterns, we are extending this Pilot Project another year to more comprehensively and accurately measure the program’s efficacy. The Loading Zone Pilot Project will continue until December 2, 2021. The zones selected were areas of particularly low compliance of the posted maximum time limit, according to a survey conducted by The City of Calgary.
Our goal is to ensure these loading zones are being used as intended; requiring plate registration will encourage users to comply with the posted time restriction allowing more Calgarians to conveniently access these spaces. The CPA has been working closely with businesses and BIA’s/BRZ’s in the development of the program to ensure it’s a fit for each community, and we’ll continue to assess and engage with Calgarians as it progresses. Frequently Asked Questions
The project was originally intended to end December 1, 2020, however because of COVID-19 we have extended it until December 2, 2021. We will be collecting feedback and liaising with stakeholders on an ongoing basis to review and assess the program.
Based on a study conducted by The City of Calgary, these five lots were selected due to their especially low compliance (less than 50%) of the posted 20-minute maximum limit and their use of the space. Once these lots were identified, the CPA worked closely with local businesses and BIA’s/BRZ’s to create and implement this project to ensure it’s a fit for each community. Through the process, we’ve secured letters of support from Downtown Calgary, Chinatown BIA and Kensington BRZ and look forward to updating them as the project progresses. We’ve also been in touch with courier companies including Canada Post, UPS, FedEx and more to ensure this program meets the needs of their daily operations, allowing them more efficient deliveries and pick-ups.
By requiring licence plate registration, this project will encourage loading zones users to comply with the posted 20-minute maximum, allowing more Calgarians to conveniently access these short-term spaces. This project will increase availability in these zones, provide more efficient curb space management for businesses and residents alike, ensure smooth deliveries/pick-ups for businesses, and safeguard access for persons with disabilities.
There are several options to quickly and easily start your loading zone session:
*Though loading zone sessions will remain free, the last three methods of registration are for ParkPlus account users and require a balance on the account before you can start a session.
These five loading zones are regularly patrolled for compliance using ParkPlus car mounted camera technology to confirm that vehicles parked in the loading zone 1) have an active session in the ParkPlus system, and 2) are in compliance with the time limit. If a vehicle is not registered in the system and/or if the 20-minute maximum is exceeded, a ticket may be issued in accordance with Bylaw 26M96. This violation incurs a $75 fine, which is reduced to $40 if paid within 10 days and $50 if paid within 30 days.
On the contrary! By registering your licence plate and adhering to the 20 minute maximum time limit, we can provide more Calgarians with consistent, convenient access to these short-term parking spaces. With several options available to quickly start a parking session, we’re confident drivers who value these parking spots will adopt this useful process.  |