ANTI- CAR CAMPAIGN PERCEIVED AS HIGHER PARKING FINES PLANNED

Amid debate over the place of the automobile, the city of Montreal plans to boost fines for parking and traffic violations. Mayor Valerie Plante’s administration says fines for parking in a disability zone will double to $ 300, while tickets for double parking and blocking traffic will increase by $ 20 to $ 60. The fine for a basic parking violation will be $ 62 with fees, compared to $ 30 in Toronto, $ 68 in Calgary and $ 100 in Vancouver. The increases are expected to be approved in April. In a statement, the city said the measure will improve traffic flow and make roads safer. On the streets of Old Montreal, some said they believe the bigger fines are more about discouraging car use than increasing safety. “It’s an agenda to push the ( subway),” said Jordan Duguay. Chris Thomas, a driver who also uses public transit, said that while he supports minimizing car use, it’s not always a realistic option. “The downfall is that sometimes you have no choice,” he said.