Vancouver drivers are paying for the sins of a handful of problem motorists.
The City of Vancouver increased parking meter hours, from 9 a.m. to 10 p.m. every day of the week, because of increasing concern from business owners and residents who spotted illegally parked cars.
The city responded to the issue at least six months ago when more requests to enforce traffic bylaws were made later and later into the evening, according to assistant city engineer Jerry Dobrovolny.
In response, the city extended the hours of its bylaw enforcement officers and have now ramped up the size of its force.
"Our purpose for being out there is to get compliance," Dobrovolny said. "It takes very little to mess up the transportation system. One car parked in the curb lane during rush hour creates a traffic jam. One car parked at a fire hydrant is creates safety concerns."
Dobrovolny claims the decision to increase parking meter hours was not made to generate revenue despite the fact the city budgeted $15 million of income from traffic enforcement in 2010.
