City implements new parking enforcement technology as school year kicks off

Cambridge, Ontario. (August 28, 2024) – As thousands of Cambridge students get ready to return to class next week, the City of Cambridge will introduce a new parking enforcement system that will send parking tickets via mail to the owners of illegally parked vehicles. The initial implementation of the program will concentrate on school zone safety.

 City by-law officers will be focusing on vehicles illegally parked where No Parking, No Stopping or Fire Route signage is posted, as these areas pose a significant safety concern to pedestrians - especially children, heading to and from school.

 “Children and those with mobility issues are among the most vulnerable of road users, so we all need to do our part to keep them safe,” said Mayor Jan Liggett. “Whether they are walking to school or riding a bike it’s so important at this time of year, and throughout the year, that we remind everyone and ensure each and every one arrives to school and returns home safely at the end of the day.” 

 As part of the new Administrative Penalty System approved by Council in July 2023, tickets can be issued at the time of violation or mailed to the registered vehicle owner. Mailed tickets look the same as those left on a vehicle and the process is the same for paying or challenging a ticket.

 “Illegally stopped or parked vehicles in school areas can cause safety risks as it becomes difficult to see pedestrians, like young children, crossing the street,” said John Mattocks, Manager of Municipal By-Law Compliance. “Parents and caregivers are asked to use the school’s designated drop-off area, if one is available, consider alternative ways of getting to school, like walking, and to keep clear of driveways, entrance ways and bus stops.”

 A Back to School Traffic Safety campaign is also being conducted by the Waterloo Regional Police Service.

 “All road users should expect increased vehicular and pedestrian traffic in school and residential areas in the coming weeks,” said Staff Sergeant Scott Griffiths of the Waterloo Regional Police Service Traffic Services Branch. “Police will be conducting enforcement focusing on aggressive driving, distracted driving, and school bus-related offences in and around school zones throughout the Region. Road users should obey all posted speed limits and traffic signs and watch out for children walking and biking to school.”

 The City operates a number of initiatives to promote road safety and active transportation options as part of the 2024-2026 Strategic Plan – Cambridge Connected, and the goals to support individual and community wellbeing by encouraging safe and healthy neighbourhoods.

 For more information visit, cambridge.ca/parking