The signs haven't made a difference. Neither have the public pleas. So are we to believe that an education campaign is now going to do the trick? Civic politicians did as expected last week and approved a three-hour parking limit for Ladner Village, acting on concerns from local merchants that their customers are having a hard time finding a spot in the commercial core.
The issue of employees monopolizing parking spots has been simmering for a number of years but it's got to the point where the Ladner Business Association went to Delta council seeking some relief.
Councillors approved the requested parking restrictions but stopped short of issuing tickets, at least for now, opting instead to educate drivers about the need to heed the signs and leave the spots to the lifeblood of the area, the customers.
I can understand why Delta is reluctant to jump into the fray with both feet: the majority of those who would find parking tickets on their windshields would likely be locals, the same ones that pay property taxes and go to the polls every three years. There's no need to alienate these folks if you don't have to, but I wonder if the soft sell approach is going to achieve the desired results.
There are already all kinds of parking limit signs in the village that are routinely ignored for one reason: they're not enforced. There are no repercussions to having your car sit for eight hours in a spot that's designated for two-hour parking.
This situation has been highlighted in the media on many occasions and the LBA has repeatedly impressed upon employees and employers the need to leave room for customers, but the problem still persists.
A gentle reminder from a bylaws officer might give pause to some drivers, but most will see it as another toothless attempt that will do little to prevent them from finding the most convenient parking spot possible.
Should that piece of paper on the windshield be a fine, something that hits them in the pocketbook, then I think you'll see an immediate change in behaviour. Perhaps it doesn't have to get to that point, but history, and human nature, would suggest otherwise.
While on the topic of traffic in Ladner Village, is it just me or do you get the feeling the road work at the corner of Trunk Road and Arthur Drive will never be completed? Just when it looks like it's close, more asphalt gets ripped up. Finish it soon. Please!
