MISSISSAUGA — Some drivers receiving parking tickets in Mississauga could soon face an additional $10 charge as the city prepares to introduce new parking enforcement procedures beginning Oct. 1.
Under the new system, parking tickets will normally continue to be placed on vehicle windshields. However, when doing so is considered unsafe or impractical, enforcement officers will be able to record the licence plate and have the penalty notice mailed to the vehicle’s registered owner.
City staff are recommending a $10 mail-out fee to recover the administrative, processing, printing and postage costs involved. The extra charge would apply only when a parking ticket is served by mail and still requires consideration by city councillors.
Officials say mailed notices could be particularly useful in busy school zones, where illegally stopped or parked vehicles may leave before officers can safely place tickets on windshields.
Other changes will give drivers more time to respond to parking tickets. Starting this fall, vehicle owners will have 30 days to either pay a fine or request a review, doubling the current 15-day period.
The city says the changes are intended to make parking enforcement safer and more efficient while giving vehicle owners additional time to deal with their tickets. Existing parking regulations and the underlying fine amounts are not being changed as part of the update.