Snow removal continues in downtown Charlottetown
Parking ban may continue with more snow on the way
The Department of Transportation pulled snowplows off the roads of Kings County Thursday evening as driving conditions deteriorated.
They'll stay parked until visibility improves, the department said.
As another winter storm moves into the area tonight, snow removal continues in downtown Charlottetown. Progress is being made, said Paul Johnston, the city's manager of public works.
"Lots of snow, so it is a slow-going process, but we got some of it removed last night and continuing on with that while keeping an eye on the next system that is bearing down on us currently," said Johnston.
The parking ban put in place by the city Wednesday continues, as crews work to remove snow from streets and sidewalks.
People who work downtown are being asked to park in the city's parkades, but those spots filled up quickly. They are also being encouraged to make use of city transit, walk or carpool.
The Charlottetown Mall has offered use of the parking lot near University Avenue for people who can then take a bus downtown. T3 Transit has increased the number of runs from the mall to downtown to every 15 minutes.
"Thanks to the public for their co-operation and recognizing that the parking has been difficult for everybody. For us to clear and public to try and find some," Johnston said.
"And we'll just cross our fingers and hope that the overnight snow doesn't set us back too far."
Charlottetown police are pleased people are obeying the ban.
Deputy Chief Richard Collins said only about half a dozen vehicles had to be towed this morning.
"We are concentrating on vehicles that are either blocking a lane of traffic, parked on the roadway or hindering snow removal," said Collins.
"So if a parking space, for instance the parking metres uptown, if they have been cleared and the street is open, then there is no reason why someone cannot legally park in a parking space."
While the ban technically ends Friday at noon, city officials say parking restrictions may be extended depending on the amount of snow the city receives overnight Thursday.