It's about to get a lot more expensive to park illegally in Toronto. New rules take effect next week that will give parking enforcement officers more power over drivers who block traffic or who are on the road with expired license plate stickers.

The fine for blocking a live lane of traffic during rush hour will more than double — to $150 from $60 — and any illegally parked driver with three unpaid tickets will also be at risk of having their vehicle towed.

Parking enforcement officers will also have the power to ticket any parked car they find with expired plates. Right now, only police officers can cite drivers for expired stickers.

The new rules have their roots in a 2011 report aimed at reducing congestion in the downtown core.