Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) – Child Safety Seats
The City’s Enforcement Services focuses on the proper use of child safety seats as the STEP initiative for the month of November.
For children, the risk of suffering significant injury in a collision increases by nearly 3.5 times when a car seat or booster seat is not used.
If you have a child in the vehicle that weighs 40 lbs or less, or the child is under six-years-old, a complete child restraint system (car seat or booster seat) is required. Once a child is two-years-old or reaches the maximum weight or height limit for the rear-facing car seat, the manufacturer may recommend that they transition to a forward-facing seat.
Once a child reaches the maximum weight or height limit of their forward-facing car seat, they can transition into a booster seat. The Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Act and the Provincial Traffic Safety Act outlines regulations for occupant restraint use and occupant restraint systems.
In Alberta, wearing a seatbelt is mandatory and it is the driver's responsibility to ensure that all passengers under the age of 16 years are properly restrained in the vehicle. If the passengers are not properly restrained, the driver may receive a fine. It is also the driver’s responsibility to ensure that children who are under the age of six and weigh less than 40 lbs are properly restrained in an approved child safety seat. Safety seats must be installed according to the vendor and vehicle manufacturer’s instructions. The fine for not using a seatbelt or child safety seat is $155.00.
Bylaw Enforcement Education Program (BEEP) - Abandoned Vehicles
Throughout the month of November, City Enforcement Services will be looking to clear public streets of potential abandoned vehicles. This is an annual initiative intended to clear vehicles that may unnecessarily impede upcoming snow removal activities.
According to Provincial Law, an abandoned vehicle is any vehicle parked on public property or a City street that has been left unattended in excess of 72 consecutive hours. Some telltale signs of abandoned vehicles include: flat tires, expired licence plate, missing licence plate, and vehicles covered in undisturbed snow.
Motorists are also reminded that all vehicles parked on a public road must have current registration/insurance and not be parked in any manner that blocks the roadway or prevents the safe passage of other vehicles or pedestrians.
In the event a potential abandoned vehicle is identified the registered owner will be contacted or a move notice will be placed on the vehicle warning the owner/operator that the vehicle has to be moved. If the vehicle is not moved within 72 hours the owner may receive a fine and the vehicle may be removed.
To report an abandoned vehicle, contact Enforcement Services at 780-830-5790.