Street cleaning parking violators could face $120 fine

A Calgary city council committee has approved a proposal to more than double the fine for people who leave vehicles parked on the street during spring cleaning.

Although signs are put out each spring as crews clean the streets, more than 2,400 vehicles remain in the way. Some are towed around the corner and ticketed.

Right now, the owner gets a $50 fine, but a council committee has approved raising the amount to$120.

Troy Macleod, a spokesman with the city, says towing vehicles out of the way costs $120,000 a year and slows down the annual street sweeping efforts.

"The courtesy tows are covered by the City of Calgary, specifically the Calgary Parking Authority, and that cost is then covered out of their normal operations. What this fine will help us do is have the cost directly recovered from those that are benefiting from the courtesy tow."

The higher fine still has to be discussed by city council. If it isapproved, the fine will be hiked bynext spring. This year's street sweep is almost complete.