Winter parking bans are now in place in many towns and cities, including St. John’s, leaving people to question whether tickets should be issued even when there’s no snow on the ground or in the forecast.

Most municipalities will not hesitate to ticket violators, even in good weather, a practice which attracts the ire of some.

St. John’s Coun. Tom Davis says there have been discussions about the practice, but says staff are adamant the policy is necessary to keep vehicles off the road in case they have to call out snowclearing equipment.

The winter parking ban in the capital city came into effect as of Friday, Jan. 3 and continues until April 12.

Davis says he hopes residents will sign up to receive notices on issues such as parking restrictions and changes to the garbage collection schedule.