Common Misconception
I can park for free at 15 and 30 minute parking spaces.
Fact
No. Payment is still required at 15 and 30 minute parking spaces. The time limit simply means you can only park in that space for 15 or 30 minutes. This information can be found in Section 33 & 34 of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception
I am only running into a bank or the pharmacy for 2-3 minutes and therefore do not need to pay the parking meter or machine.
Fact
Payment is required at all meters and machines during enforcement hours (April 1 to October 31 from Monday to Saturday 9:00 a.m. – 8:00 p.m.; November 1 to March 31 from Monday - Saturday 9:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m.).
Common Misconception
The Parking Enforcement Officers know how long a parking meter has been expired for.
Fact
The Parking Enforcement Officers are unable to determine how long a parking meter has been expired for.
Common Misconception
The Parking Enforcement Officers follow people around.
Fact
The Parking Enforcement Officers walk pre-determined routes and issue tickets for infractions when observed. The Officers do not follow people around.
Common Misconception
If a parking meter or machine is not working I can simply leave and will not get a ticket.
Fact
If a parking meter or machine is not working you must report the issue to the Clerk’s Office at 519-271-0250, Ext 5230. This number is listed on all meters and machines. Failure to report the problem could result in a ticket being issued. If you are unable to report the issue you should move your vehicle to a space where you are able to complete payment in order to avoid a ticket.
Common Misconception
The City has a quota system for parking tickets.
Fact
The City does not have a quota system for parking. The City enforces in order to ensure compliance with the Traffic and Parking By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception
The City is required to provide dedicated motorcycle parking.
Fact
The City is not required to provide dedicated motorcycle parking but has added motorcycle spaces in the downtown as a customer service gesture.
Common Misconception
A parking space with a ‘No Parking City of Stratford Parking Division’ cone in it is free to park in as long as I move the cone.
Fact
No. A cone in a parking space with the following written on it ‘No Parking City of Stratford Parking Division” means the space has either been rented through the City’s Meter Hood Policy or has been blocked for City use. These spaces are not to be parked in unless you are the individual who has rented the space.
Common Misconception
A parking space with a red or blue meter bag over the meter is free to park in.
Fact
No. A parking space with a meter bag over the meter means the space has been rented through the City’s Meter Hood Policy. If you are not the individual who rented the meter bag you are not to park in this space and will be ticketed. This information can be found in Section 49(4) of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception
There are no long term parking spaces in the downtown.
Fact
The City offers a variety of options for parking including:
- 24 hour free parking at the Cooper and Downie Lots
- 12 hour paid parking in the Kalbfleisch, George and St. Patrick Lots
- 4 hour paid parking in the Market Place, Lower and Upper Erie, Albert, and York Lots
- 15 minute, 30 minute, 4 hour and 12 hour on-street parking
Common Misconception
The pay by licence plate machines are hard to use and take a long time for payment to register.
Fact
The pay by licence plate machines are really easy and quick to use once you have become accustomed to them. The hardest part is remembering your licence plate. To learn how to use the machines, follow along the screen, refer to instructions next to the machine, watch the demonstration videos on the City’s website or call the Clerk’s Office at 519-271-0250, Ext 5230 to book a demonstration.
Common Misconception
Once I complete payment at the Pay by Licence Plate machine I have to place the receipt/stub on the dashboard of my car.
Fact
As the payment at pay by licence plate machines is linked to your licence plate you do not have to return to your vehicle and place the receipt on your dash. Receipt/stub is optional!
Common Misconception
Can I use my accessible parking permit in an area signed as No Parking or No Stopping?
Fact
No. The accessible parking permit does not allow parking in a restricted area such as No Parking / No Stopping or No Standing.
Common Misconception
If I have an accessible parking permit I have to pay at non-accessible parking spaces.
Fact
No. The City of Stratford allows the holder of a valid accessible parking permit to park in any legally marked parking space without payment of the meter for the maximum time of the meter. The valid permit MUST be displayed. If it is not displayed, a parking ticket will be issued. This information can be found in Section 42(6) of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception
I parked outside the lines because it was necessary and therefore will not be issued a ticket.
Fact
No. Vehicles must be parked inside the lines. Failure to do so could result in a ticket being issued.
Common Misconception
There were no parking spaces so I parked in an area where I would not obstruct traffic and therefore should not get a ticket.
Fact
All vehicles must be parked in legally marked parking spaces. Failure to do so could result in a parking ticket being issued.
Common Misconception
I have a parking permit and will not be issued a ticket even if it is not displayed or has expired.
Fact
Parking permits must be valid and be displayed on the dash of your car. Failure to do so could result in a ticket being issued. This information can be found in Section 59(1)(b) of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception
If I feed the meter or machine I can continue to park in the space I am in.
Fact
No. Stated maximum parking time limits must be followed. Failure to do so could result in a ticket for exceeding the maximum parking time limit being issued. This information can be found in Section 45 of Parking and Traffic By-law 159-2008.
Common Misconception
I got a ticket when I had my hazard lights flashing and I was only going to be there two minutes.
Fact
The use of flashers does not give permission to park illegally. You must be parked in a legally marked parking space.
Common Misconception
Parking is not enforced on weekends.
Fact
Parking is enforced Monday – Saturday as follows:
- April 1 to October 31 from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, excluding Sundays and Holidays
- November 1 to March 31 from 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, excluding Sundays and Holidays
Common Misconception
I can park my motorcycle on sidewalks or in Market Square.
Fact
No, motorcycles must be parked in legal parking spaces. Up to 3 motorcycles can be parked in a regular parking space as long as payment is made by one motorcycle. Motorcycles can also use the dedicated motorcycle parking if available.