Parking fines set to increase on June 1
Tuesday, May 10, 2022
If you are thinking of parking illegally, you need to know that fines for parking violations will increase beginning June 1, 2022.
Parking fines in Sault Ste. Marie are lesser by an average of 50 percent in comparison to municipalities of like size and structure, with the last fine increase occurring in 1984 and 1989. By increasing the rate of penalty fees, fines serve as a deterrent to illegal parking, address public safety concerns and brings the City of Sault Ste. Marie in line with other municipalities.
Parking fines are structured based on the level of public safety concerns related to the event. Expired meters being among the lower penalties and fines related to impeding traffic or safety to the public having a higher fine value as a greater deterrent to the motorist. By prohibiting parking in various fire routes and near fire hydrants, prohibiting unauthorized parking to increase available parking to the desired user groups, ensuring proper room for traffic circulation and during winter snow removal and enforcing paid private and municipal lots, public safety is maintained.
Although, an immediate increase in fines may appear to be financially challenging for some, an early voluntary payment option, not currently part of Sault Ste. Marie’s system will act as an incentive to have offenders make a payment within 7 days of the offence. Paying early allows the offender to receive up to a 1/3 reduction in the fine amount. It will also reduce contested matters before the court and reduce collection costs.
Increased fines and an early voluntary payment program should yield a neutral effect when factoring in the desire for increased enforcement to alleviate constituents concerns.
The City also encourages the public to use the
Passport Parking Canada mobile payment option. Over 1,300 users have adopted this convenient payment method since its launch in 2019. Passport Parking Canada allows drivers in Sault Ste. Marie to pay for metered street parking and City-run lots using their smartphone. The Passport Parking app also warns users when their time is running low, and a top-up option is given. For more information, visit
saultstemarie.ca/parkingapp.
The City of Sault Ste. Marie is committed to keeping neighbourhoods safe, attractive and accessible for residents and visitors to enjoy. Please remember to park in permitted areas. To view the amended parking schedule, visit:
saultstemarie.ca/parking.