New Winnipeg parking rules will freeze out block heater cords

A range of new parking rules come into effect on Thursday. Among them are measures that crackdown on drivers who use extension cords to plug in their vehicles parked on city streets.

Although the winter practice was prohibited under the previous bylaw, the old rules forced the City of Winnipeg to prove who plugged in the car.

Now vehicle owners will be held responsible for any wayward extension cords connected to their parked cars, said a city spokesperson, no matter who used the extension cord.

In addition, the old bylaw required cables to be physically touching the roadway to be in violation parking rules and led drivers to string up extension cords from tree limbs and fences out to parked cars on the street.

A city spokesperson said the new bylaw closes that loophole due to the safety risks posed by dangling cords.

Extending time in a pinch

Also starting Thursday, drivers will have the option to purchase an extra 30 minutes on their meter (or parking station) or by using the Pay by Phone app.

In locations where drivers must move their car within a certain amount of time, they must still comply with that rule and move their cars, said the city.

The City of Winnipeg says the changes should "streamline" existing parking rules.

In addition, residents will now be able to obtain temporary recreational vehicle permits that will allow parking for up to three days rather than the previous one hour limit, said the city.

Lastly, the city said street work signs must be placed 24 hours before construction begins instead of the current six.