October 9, 2024 - Hamilton’s city planning committee has approved increasing the fine for parking in bike lanes from $33 to $200 and cycling advocates are welcoming the news reports The Hamilton Spectator.
The fine is now on par with other cities, such as Toronto, where the penalty is $200. “We think it’s really dangerous behaviour,” Chris Ritsma, a member of the Cycle Hamilton board, told The Spectator. “I don’t see any reason why it should cost less in Hamilton, it’s not less dangerous.”
Staff initially recommended an increase to $60 but along with the safety concerns it was felt that it wouldn’t be enough to curb offenders. Last year, the city issued roughly 143,000 parking tickets and the increased fines could generate an additional $250,000 in penalty revenue.
Read the full report here.
