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When that rolls out this spring, a vehicle-mounted plate reader will be able to scan every plate along a street while the vehicle is driven at full speed. The machine will check those plates against city parking meter records and mail out tickets if the driver hasn’t paid.

That will free up more officers to respond to residential complaints, Pleckaitis told councillors on the third day of technical briefings about the new arena.

His office is also moving complaints from the police non-emergency line to 311. That will make it easier for frustrated residents to file complaints. They will be able to give the information by phone or by taking a photo with the 311 app.

The information is automatically sent to the parking official on duty, just like litter and illegal curb crossing complaints are now.

Pleckaitis is already planning for 10 to 14 parking officers each major event. “That number will go up based on demand.”

If necessary, transportation staff will also bring in resident-only or other parking restrictions for the neighbourhoods, and if businesses or condo property managers want to be able to issue tickets themselves, training is available.

To deal with litter and other issues, the city installed 37 new public garbage cans and is working to install 25 new ashtrays. Uniformed peace officers will be out to respond to littering complaints and any vehicle-for-hire issues.

The Katz Group had applied for a development permitto let them use several lots just north of the arena for an 800-car parking lot for 10 years.

Spokesman Tim Shipton said that proposal saw so much public backlash it was withdrawn. They’re now looking at their options, including reapplying but with a shorter time frame.

estolte@postmedia.com

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