Whereas regional districts have not been granted the authority to regulate vehicle parking on roadways in rural areas; And whereas the Province and the RCMP have limited resources to regulate and enforce the increased volume of vehicles parked illegally on roads and rights-of-way that cause congestion and unsafe conditions for other vehicles, pedestrians and emergency first responders: Therefore be it resolved that the Province of British Columbia grant regional districts the authority under the BC Motor Vehicle Act to regulate and enforce vehicle parking on provincial roads and rights of-way with the same authority as municipalities.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure The Motor Vehicle Act provides authority to municipalities to manage traffic, including parking, on municipal roads consistent with the framework established under the Community Charter. Highways in rural areas of the province fall under the jurisdiction of the province, with the regulation of parking enforceable by police. Providing an authority to Regional Districts to regulate parking similar to municipalities would require legislation and significant analysis of broad questions on the role, responsibilities and powers of Regional Districts. Other matters for consideration include who is responsible for and pays the costs of enforcement, including regulation of parking and traffic management, sign installation and maintenance, responsibility and liability, planning and engineering of roadside parking, terms and conditions of approvals, and other related matters. Given these questions, more information is needed to understand the proposal. Accordingly, in the absence of any detailed proposal from one or more Regional Districts the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is not at this time considering providing Regional Districts with the authority to regulate and enforce vehicle parking on provincial highways and rights-of-way.