REQUEST FOR DISABLED PERSONS PARKING SPACE AT 473 ATLAS AVENUE

Ward 28, York-Eglinton

Director of Transportation Services, District 1

(March 15, 1999)

Purpose:

To introduce a designated disabled persons parking space at No. 473 Atlas Avenue.

Funding Sources:

The funds associated with the implementation of a designated disabled parking space, estimated at $200.00, are contained in the Transportation Services Division 1999 Current Estimates.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1)the Uniform Traffic By-laws 196-84 and 2958-94 be amended to prohibit parking anytime on the east side of Atlas Avenue for one vehicle length, directly in front of No.473AtlasAvenue; and

(2)a copy of this report be forwarded to Mrs. Ann Fowler, 473 Atlas Avenue.

Background:

Mrs. A. Fowler by letter dated December 11, 1998 (Appendix I), is requesting a designated disabled persons parking space directly abutting her residence, located at 473 Atlas Avenue.

Comments:

No. 473 Atlas Avenue is located on the east side of Atlas Avenue between Durham Avenue and Belvidere Avenue. Atlas Avenue is a collector roadway, providing one-way vehicular traffic flow in a southbound direction.

On-street parking is exclusively permitted on the east side of Atlas Avenue between Durham Avenue and Belvidere Avenue, directly in front of Mrs. A. Fowler's residence. A maximum unsigned three (3) hour parking duration is currently in effect any time, except between the hours 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m. when motorists are required to display a valid on-street parking permit, stating Atlas Avenue.

Mrs. A. Fowler is requesting that a designated disabled persons parking space be established directly in front of her residence on Atlas Avenue, where on-street parking is legally permitted.

As Council is aware, any person currently possessing a valid provincial permit bearing the international symbol of access is exempt from the following on-street traffic regulations:

1.Payment to engage a parking meter;

2."No Parking" for a period longer than 3 hours;

3."No Parking" restrictions, other than rush hour prohibitions, i.e. 7:00 to 9:00a.m. or 4:00 to 6:00 p.m.,

4.Signed maximum parking duration regulations, i.e. 1 hour.

A disabled persons parking permit, however, does not exempt the motorist from parking without an on-street parking permit between the hours 12:00 midnight and 6:00 a.m., on those streets where this restriction is in effect.

Mrs. A. Fowler does possess a valid Province of Ontario Disabled Persons Parking Permit#350938, expiring in October 2001 (Appendix II).

Conclusions:

Mrs. A. Fowler can legally park on the west side of Atlas Avenue where on-street parking is presently prohibited. This would create a serious risk to public safety understanding Laughlin Park directly abuts the west side of Atlas Avenue which is totally accessible.

It would be preferable to prohibit parking on the east side of Atlas Avenue, where on-street parking is legally permitted, by establishing a designated disabled persons parking space directly in front of No. 473 Atlas Avenue to accommodate a single motor vehicle. This would enable Mrs. A. Fowler to park in the disabled persons parking space by virtue of her provincial permit, without disrupting traffic.