Ottawa motorists saw the sign to avoid parking on a section of a road near the Ottawa Hospital General Campus, resulting in a significant drop in tickets issued to drivers for parking in a winter no-stopping zone.
The City of Ottawa implements a “no-stopping zone” on a section of Lynda Lane, near Smyth Road, between Dec. 1 and March 31 every winter to facilitate snow removal and for safety reasons.
Bylaw Services officers issued 153 tickets to motorists violating the “no-stopping zone” between Dec. 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, down from 1,437 tickets during the same period in 2023-24.
“The decrease can be attributed to changes city staff made to the signage, ensuring the parking restrictions are clearer for residents,” Roger Chapman, Director of Bylaw and Regulatory Services.
The sign changes came after a CTV News Ottawa story on December 10 reporting that 111 tickets were issued to vehicles for violating the “no-stopping zone” rules during the first eight days of the rules.
Motorists have complained that the signage was confusing on Lynda Lane, with three signs on one street post outlining rules for parking.
On Dec. 10, staff flipped the sign outlining parking restrictions for April 1 to Nov. 30, and the signpost just showed the stop sign with a red prohibited symbol for no stopping between Dec. 1 and March 31.
The fine for stopping in a no-stopping area is $130, with an early payment option of $110.
“We appreciate residents’ cooperation on special parking restrictions throughout the winter season, as it helps ensure our streets are clear and safe,” Chapman said.
“Special parking restrictions prohibiting parking on a stretch of Lynda Lane are in effect between December 1 and March 31 to facilitate snow removal and for safety reasons. These seasonal restrictions have been in place since 2018 and ensure access is maintained for emergency vehicles.
“Motorists are reminded to carefully read all posted parking restrictions from the top down when choosing a place to park their vehicle. The top sign will always take precedence.”
