Parking patrol officers hop on bikes to get the job done in Mississauga

Parking enforcement will have a different look this summer in Mississauga.

More to the point, city bylaw officers who dish out parking tickets will do so while, for the first time ever, patrolling neighbourhoods on bicycles.

The Parking Enforcement Bike Unit is being introduced by the City of Mississauga to not only make it easier for parking enforcement officers to penalize offenders, but also to engage members of the public in a positive way.

Riding on two wheels, the officers will patrol parks, waterfront areas, Mississauga’s downtown core, neighbourhood business districts and major community events.

“Parking enforcement officers will engage with residents and visitors, helping educate them about parking rules and responding to concerns in locations that can be difficult to reach by car,” city officials said this week, adding, “when necessary, officers will also enforce parking and bylaw offences to help keep Mississauga safer and more accessible for everyone.”

Parking enforcement officers are taking to bicycles this summer in Mississauga. (Photo: City of Mississauga)

The new program is designed to enhance the presence of parking enforcement officers in the community, “connect them with residents and visitors, and support a positive experience for everyone,” the city said. “They have completed special training to ensure safe and effective bike patrols.”

City officials noted one of the main objectives is to ensure, as much as possible, that interactions between bylaw officers and members of the public are “respectful,” no matter what the situation.

It’s not uncommon for interactions to escalate when a driver returns to their vehicle to find an officer issuing a ticket.

Parking enforcement officers “help keep roads safe and accessible for everyone,” the city said and “when they issue a ticket, they are following the city’s bylaws and helping ensure safety and fairness across Mississauga.

“Residents and visitors are reminded to be respectful when interacting with parking enforcement officers. They are designated Peace Officers under the Police Services Act. Harming or trying to harm an officer while they are doing their job may result in criminal charges.”

Raj Sheth, Mississauga’s commissioner of community services, said the new parking enforcement bike squad “helps our officers connect directly with the community in a more accessible way to educate residents and visitors on parking rules and etiquette. This also helps the city respond faster at public spaces and enforce bylaws where needed.”