A car boot used to lock up an illegally parked car.
An Ontario town has decided to stop using devices meant to prevent illegal parking.
Oakville announced it has passed a new bylaw after hearing from residents concerned about the growing use of parking boots and similar tools that immobilize cars without the owner’s permission.
Some critics argue that this new regulation lets drivers park wherever they like, free from the risk of being towed or fined.
The use of parking boots became more common after the town made towing illegally parked cars tougher last year.
Property owners and tow truck operators, looking for alternatives to towing, have turned to these boots as a way to capture violators and charge fees for their release.
According to the newly adopted rules, parking boots and other similar devices, including wheel locks, wheel clamps, or “barnacles,” that aim to keep unauthorized vehicles in place without consent from their owners will be banned in Oakville. This bylaw applies to all vehicles on municipal lands and private property. The town itself is also prohibited from using them.
The phrase “without the vehicle owner’s consent” is included in the law to make clear that it doesn’t apply when owners use such devices themselves for theft prevention purposes.
Oakville’s Municipal Enforcement Services will look into complaints from vehicle owners regarding any violations involving parking boots or similar locking devices. Fines will be imposed where necessary.
The town stated they are responding to residents who feel they’ve been unfairly treated with towing or fines.
However, property owners believe they are the ones facing unfairness.
Mall and plaza owners say people can now leave their cars in lots or behind buildings for long periods without consequences.
Some homeowners have voiced concerns that these new regulations make it hard to remove vehicles blocking their driveways or garages.
“The way I see it, under all these new rules, somebody can park in my driveway and leave their car there all night, and there is not much I can do about it,” said one homeowner on an Oakville group chat site.
Oakville Mayor Rob Burton mentioned that this change comes after numerous complaints were raised by residents.
“This new bylaw reflects what we’ve heard from our community in response to the use of parking boots on vehicles. Council and staff are taking action to protect our community from unfair booting practices in Oakville,” Burton said.
Toronto and some other areas across Canada have implemented similar regulations against booting vehicles.
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