By John Moore, Columnist
It’s well-known traffic is a major problem in HRM. It is also becoming increasingly difficult to find good parking spaces in the downtown area. Recently, we went to see a Mooseheads game. Parking was at a premium and the clock was ticking. We managed to find one of the last parking spots at the Centennial Swimming Pool which has been an after hours parking favorite for many HRM residents over the years. Upon returning from the game, we were greeted with a pink ribbon tied to the driver’s door and then a metal cylinder locked on the front wheel. Initially I thought it was a joke then I realized we had been booted. We then looked around and saw that many other vehicles had been booted. Many were furious and the police had to be called to protect the attendants administering this thankless operation. The fine was $132.25 and it had to be paid on the spot. I was guilty as charged and have no complaint there.
The reality is parking enforcement in HRM is getting increasingly aggressive and expensive. My advice to the parking public is to pay for your parking where necessary otherwise you are very likely to be booted. Stay away from parking lots like Centennial unless you are prepared to pay. They offer parking permits, but the office closes at 6 pm Just so you know they don’t hand out free swim passes to soften the blow either if you do get booted.
The writing is on the wall. It’s time many more HRM residents used our mass transit system especially when going downtown. It’ll help the environment, ease traffic congestion and make for a worry free feeling when it comes to parking. Motorists be warned!
Image by ArthurHidden on Freepik
