The Medicine Hat Police Service (MHPS) has received numerous concerns regarding parking infractions at/near several of the elementary and middle schools in our city. The infractions are often for parking near or blocking crosswalks, blocking driveways and parking near fire hydrants or parking where signs prohibit.

In an attempt to mediate several of the schools have sent out notices reminding parents and caregivers of the importance of respecting parking laws. In addition to the school reminders, the MHPS has increased patrols of school zones and has assigned the Parking Monitors to enforce parking laws in the areas. The safety of school children and volunteer crosswalk patrollers is our primary focus.

For reference, here are some of the parking laws from the Traffic Safety Act and Medicine Hat Municipal Bylaws that will be enforced;

Parking;

• on a crosswalk or any part of a crosswalk
• on a sidewalk or boulevard
• nearer than 5 metres from an intersection
• within 5 metres of a crosswalk
• within 5 metres of a stop sign or yield sign
• within 1.5 metres from access to a garage or driveway
• at any place where a traffic control device prohibits parking or stopping
• Failing to stop for a pedestrian in a crosswalk

Fines begin at $50 for Medicine Hat Bylaw offences and can be as high as $810 for Traffic Safety Act offences.

Lets work together to make our city roads safer for everyone! Thank you for your cooperation

Media Contact:

Sgt Gerald Sadlemyer
Traffic Unit
Medicine Hat Police Service
Ph: 403-529-8471