Parking tickets at Halifax's QE II, IWK hospitals now $500
New ticketing regulations from Nova Scotia Health Authority started Thursday
Drivers will now be fined $500 for unauthorized parking at the Queen Elizabeth II and IWK hospitals in the latest attempt from the province to allow staff and visitors first dibs.
The change came into effect on Thursday. If a ticket isn't paid within 60 days, the cost rises to $536.60.
The tickets will be issued by a special constable or a peace officer.
Patients, visitors, and health-care workers with authorized credentials will be added to a list for approved parking. Anyone found parking in hospital lots without permission will be ticketed.
The province lifted parking fees at hospitals across the province in the spring, which has led to more visitors using the lots.
Hospital staff have had a more difficult time finding a spot with the changes. The new fines are the latest response to the ongoing shortage.
The Nova Scotia Health Authority said in May that about 4,000 new parking spots are needed to meet demand. The province plans to repave a lot on South Street, a project that will cost up to $1 million.