Delta won't be handing out fines right away to people who park their vehicles too long in Ladner Village.
CAO George Harvie offered that assurance on behalf of the bylaws department this week as council approved a new threehour restriction throughout the core.
The time limited parking will be "enforceable" Monday through Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. The only exception would be a 20-minute drop off zone in front of the bottle depot. The off-street public lots on Chisholm and Bridge Streets, as well as Westminster Avenue where additional spots will be added, will continue to allow all-day parking.
However, signage will be posted at those lots notifying vehicle owners that overnight parking isn't allowed.
Noting the municipality has been working with the Ladner Business Association on the issue, Harvie said bylaws staff will first concentrate on educating motorists. A report will come back to council on the results in about three months, at which time the civic politicians may agree to go ahead with allowing fines.
This week the Optimist asked several people leaving or going to their vehicles what they thought of the new time restriction and increased enforcement. A couple expressed frustration at the current situation, saying it does play into their decision whether to come to the village, but most others said they are able to find a spot, although they may have to drive around a few times.
Managing to find a prime spot on Delta Street, in front of the hospital auxiliary store, Ladner resident Sara Sochting said the three-hour restriction seems more than enough time for people to do their shopping and grab a meal.
Saying she has no problem parking a couple of blocks away and walking, Donna Mann, a former local resident who was visiting town with her son Jamie, noted it's even trickier finding a spot with a truck.
"Somehow we always manage to find something because people are always coming and going. Three hours would be plenty of time for us popping in and out of stores," she said.
Jamie agreed, noting finding parking is most difficult during business hours, and especially during summer in the village. He said parking shouldn't be an issue for people willing to do a little walking.
Business and office employees taking up valuable street spots all day have been blamed for causing most of the street parking shortage in the core.
Council this week also decided against exempting veterans.
