Photo: Samantha Holomay

Rossland's traffic related bylaw infractions saw a big increase in the month of March.

There has been a notable increase in the number of traffic and highways bylaw infractions in Rossland, with 123 enforcement files recorded in the month of March alone.

According to the city’s bylaw officer, Zak Keating, the increase is linked to snow removal operations, prolonged winter conditions and visitor parking pressures. Fifty-two per cent of the fines stemmed from vehicles being parking beyond posted time limits in the downtown core.

“Traffic-related violations remained the most prevalent, with consistent issues related to the two-hour parking model, snow obstruction, and overnight vehicle camping," explained Keating in the report.

Thirteen out of the 123 reported instances came from vehicles parking for over 24 hours or obstructing snow removal efforts. Eight instances involved people camping or residing in their cars on the city streets.

“In most cases, warnings were issued to promote voluntary compliance. Repeat offences and safety-related contraventions were escalated to formal notices where warranted,” Keating reported.

According to Keating, 74 of the incidents resulted in written warnings, which is typically reserved for first-time or low-risk reports. Roughly 15 of the files resulted in Keating having to issue a bylaw offence notice, which is a formal ticket issued for repeat, hazardous, or non-compliant conduct.

“This month saw a strong emphasis on education-first compliance while still escalating enforcement appropriately when risk, repetition, or disregard was evident.”