Agenda Index City of Vancouver

APPENDIX B

COMMERCIAL PERMITS & PLATES SURVEY
(Year 2000)

QUESTIONNAIRE SUMMARY

Number of Questionnaires completed: 451

Commercial Plate Purchase: 352 (78%) 65 (15%) 34 (7%) 451

Municipal Decal Purchase: 372 (82%) 22 (5%) 57 (13%) 451

GVW: 0 - 2800 GVW 465 (66%)

Number of Vehicles:

Do you deliver and pick up goods? 378 (84%) 67 (15%) 6 (1%) 451

Type of Goods:

Between 0 - 2,800 GVW: consumer electronics; retail packages; graphic materials & business documents; coffee & juice supplies; plumbing materials; janitorial products; office supplies; electronic office machines; painting products; film/television production related; tobacco & store fixtures; computer/digital equipment; courier; hotel supply delivery; trade supplies; beauty supply products; foodstuffs; pharmaceuticals; flooring products; TV's & other electronic goods; photographic materials; baked goods; proposals & contracts; wireless phones & data equipment; video production equipment; equipment for window cleaning & pressure washing; small freight; airline tickets; artwork; advertising products; construction-related products; frozen seafood & natural foods; real estate agent; tourism brochures/pamphlets; fashion clothing; etc.

Between 2,801 - 11,800 GVW: larger electronic goods; mirrors & supplies; construction materials; envelope packages & boxes; movie industry props; laundry equipment; furniture delivery; refrigeration equipment; electrical materials; service truck; photocopier supplies; fastners & furniture; food products; carpets & other flooring; potato chips; compressed gasses; general mechanical goods; general freight; produce/groceries; waste products; linen service; cabinets (millwork); bakery products; air filters; office furniture; compressed gases, etc.

Between 11,801 - 20,000 GVW: printed matter; air filters; garbage truck; sand & gravel; general freight; flatdeck cartridge; dry goods and other food stuffs; construction materials, etc.

20,000 GVW and up: paper boxes; furniture truck; garbage; office furniture; etc.

How many days per month
do you use commercial space?

11 or greater 299 (66%)

Average Length of Stay:

Have you received a ticket in 1999? 243 (54%) 172 (38%) 36 (8%) 451

How many tickets did you receive in 1999?

Where do you primarily park:

cs011122.htm

No Answer 26 (3.5%)

TOTAL 735

* "Other" category includes the following responses: Yaletown; Denman & English Bay; Kerrisdale; Kitsilano; Westside; South Granville; Fourth Avenue; Marpole; UBC; South slopes.

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Finding a space:

Does the existing program work for you?

Comments:

· Longer stays in zones would be greatly appreciated.
· Allow commercial plate to be displayed on dashboard.
· Enforcement of vehicles in lanes with no plates should be increased. We pay for the privilege of this convenience - violators should be ticketed, zero tolerance.
· Downtown Parking ticket agents on bikes working with tow trucks not acceptable.
· We need to have a longer time for parking.
· Existing program seems pretty good. I did not understand regulations involving private drives/in lanes and was ticketed as a result. All lanes are by default 3 metres from private property, so what's the point of having commercial lanes if this is not going to be enforced? I was told by the parking guy that they only enforce this due to a complaint, but still.....
· Better enforcement in areas other than Downtown core, Chinatown, Kingsway & Broadway.
· More enforcement on commercial lane parking. I have seen too many vehicles with no permit parking in commercial lanes in the Chinatown area.
· Very convenient way of parking.
· Need a few more commercial spaces and tickets handed out to more violators.
· The ticketing in commercial spaces is unclear and unfair. I do not know what the offense is and therefore do not know if I have committed the offense or not.
· Should make sure only businesses that genuinely use spaces get licenses (ie. make deliveries or pick-ups related to business).
· Garbage containers take our parking spots even more than private cars!
· Faster ticketing of non-commercial vehicles in the loading zones would be most appreciated.
· Most times it works. Time limit is a problem or evening usage has been a problem with police and ticketing.
· Parking enforcement needs to have a strict tow policy for non-commercial plate violators. In front of the World Trade Center/Canada Place 999 Canada Pl., I called parking enforcement. She said the commercial zone didn't fall under City of Vancouver. It's on the street, of course it does!
· People that are not business related in zones. Hassles from non-commercial people. Not enough zones patrolled frequently or space is too small for commercial vehicle.
· Lack of enforcement of non-commercial vehicles in designated areas. More commercial parking in Kits (Burrard to MacDonald).
· Costs should be reduced since we keep the same plate yearly.
· Parking on Broadway in the 600 Block is very difficult because at least 50 % of the time, the vehicles parked in the loading zone do not have commercial plates and they are in London Drugs.
· Parking in lanes should be up to 2 hours, not ½ hour; more street space is needed that should be up to 2 hours as well.
· I find the 30 minute limit in a commercial lane is not long enough, especially when the car is parked away from the place we do business. I think the City authorities should extend the time limit to 1.5 hours.
· Better enforcement - too often some plated vehicles using existing commercial spaces.
· Sort of - plate & decal were stolen November 1999.
· Enforcing commercial zones on the street to a 60 minute max. B.C. Del worst offender.
· Greater enforcement of commercial zones needed.
· I often find vehicles parked in commercial lanes & street zones without plates or stickers, particularly at Stamps Landing in False Creek, Cornwall & Yew area.
· I find the way people park in commercial zones to be frustrating. An area for 2 vehicles taken up by one. Therefore, if you park behind you overhang usually into a lane or roadway.
· Although I often must use meter because commercial loading zone has non-licensed vehicles there. Meter maids do not ticket them, why?
· Need more spaces.
· Would like longer time frame for parking/prefer unlimited except street loading zones.
· More spaces required. Also stricter enforcement of length of stay in commercial spaces (30 min?).
· This is a CBC van and we shoot television all over town. Bringing in camera equipment. This equipment is heavy and being close to the address is very important.
· I don't want to permanently place the plate on my car - looks terrible and has the risk of being stolen - time spent coming back for a replacement and cost incurred. Isn't front windshield sufficient?
· Great.
· The biggest problem I find is access & availability of spaces - we need more!
· Need more space for parking - building owners should provide parking for trades people.
· Need more commercial zones; also need more long-term commercial zones (1 hour).
· Longer time required before being towed.
· Seems 2 spaces are reserved in most areas. A third would be beneficial.
· Yes - but I must put up signs marking undercover vehicle or other drivers get mad.
· Tow more cars who use for parking.
· There are enough spaces - the problem I find is that I wait for a space and see the same vehicles in loading zones for extended periods of time, often all day. This holds true for both commercial lanes and loading zones.
· More leniency on the towing option when ticketing a vehicle in commercial loading zones.
· Need more on-street commercial zones & more areas in alleys. The latter are often blocked by smithwriters.
· Often need more time than anticipated; would benefit from greater flexibility in time allowed in space.
· I get frustrated when the commercial spots are being used by non-commercial vehicles -they need to be ticketed more. Also, too many trucks block the whole lane when they're unloading.
· There should be more commercial space available and for longer stopping times of at least one hour.
· Parking is very limited. Cars are staying longer than 15 mins!
· Sometimes our work may take more than the allotted time and the vehicle has to be moved several times.
· Increased spaces with better enforcement. What's with all the Telus & Rogers vehicles that seem to get away with parking all day.

· 1. Lanes often constricted.

· Need less bother from ticketers & more time.
· Spaces are small/ time allowed to park is too short - 30 min. maximum not enough/ too many times vehicles that do not have commercial plates take up the parking spaces/shouldn't tow commercial-plated vehicles.
· Need more parking zones.
· So far this program is helpful. Thanks!
· More enforcement in lanes. Always lots of private vehicles parked there.
· Renewal process is slow when it doesn't appear necessary. There should be an easy way.
· Excellent now, but one more commercial street zones will be appreciated.
· I use my car full-time for courier work. I should not have to compete with people who only use loading zones part-time. I have my signs affixed to windows, that should be good enough.
· Not enough loading zones in the Downtown core & too many cars parked in the alley.
· As a commercial electrical contractor, I would prefer to pay a premium if I can park in a commercial lane (alley) from 7am - 4pm (van or car).
· So far, the program works!
· Even though the existing program works for me, it would help if we had more commercial lanes to park.
· Generally, we can tolerate but it surely can be improved, often times in Chinatown. Commercial vehicle parking spaces are occupied by other private unauthorized vehicles.
· The biggest problem is that cars without commercial plates are constantly using commercial spots - ticket the hell out of them! We should be able to block them if they are parked illegally.
· Stricter enforcement of commercial lanes & parking. There are too many cars using lanes for parking that have commercial decals. Make it more expensive or require business incorporation papers to prove business use at time of issuance of decals.
· Blocked laneways is a problem & non-commercial vehicles parked in commercial spaces is a problem.
· It must be a problem to please everybody - I don't know what to suggest except re-enforce the regulations, especially in Chinatown!
· Why charge for plate fee for decals?
· I feel that there should be a better overall disbursement of "commercial vehicle only parking" in Vancouver. Sometimes there will be a couple of blocks of excellent parking followed by none. I would like this changed.
· Length of stay is too short - ticketing person gives no grace period but calls tow truck while ticketing - a few minutes overtime is unfair - towed 3 times - unfair.....!
· I have gotten two tickets when someone without a sticker is in a commercial loading zone and they went unticketed - OUCH!!
· Vehicles doing maintenance ie. Hydro, bus, telephone very often use the spaces I need often for long periods of time. Film crews often take up the whole area surrounding City Hall.
· Most space not available to commercial users. Non-permit holders often in spaces. Need more spaces for this purpose.

· There should be exception between 3pm - 6pm to park on the street max. 15 min to pick-up stuff.
· Since 1999, commercial plates are now re-usable, just needing the decal so why has the cost not gone down!! I am very disappointed.
· Would recommend having a renewal program where it would cost less for renewal. Also, it is impossible to get through to ticket inquiries.
· Most of the time, I find non-commercial vehicles parked in loading zone. I have observed vehicles parking with no decals or permits in the zones.
· The program should work fine. I have heard many instances of parking enforcers being overly picky about paid up commercial users - whilst the public regularly use commercial spots without plates. It's often hard to get a spot you've paid for the privilege of using.
· Unauthorized vehicles in commercial zones & not respecting our polite requests to vacate the zone.
· Should increase the commercial parking places.
· Not so many tickets.
· Keep up the good work; hire more meter people for the alleys.
· Non-commercial vehicles in commercial zones - not good.
· Lots of time, vehicles without commercial plate park in the space for commercial vehicles.
· More commercial zones.
· More enforcing - too many cars parking in commercial parking spots.
· Need more commercial enforcement.
· There could always be more spaces available, especially Downtown.
· Too many non-commercial plated vehicles are parked in commercial designated areas.
· End up parking in lanes - safety issue concerned.
· Although I have received the odd ticket w/plate and decal, it amazed me how many vehicles go unticketed without any commercial plates/decals!!
· Perhaps in no-parking zones (eg. Hastings/Pender Street), no stopping from 3 - 6 - could be commercial up to 3:00 pm.
· A lot of commercial zone parked by regular car without decal on it. It takes a long time to find a parking space.
· More commercial parking space to be provided in Downtown.
· Not sure.
· First time obtaining the pass, therefore it's hard to answer questionnaire.
· Last year was the first year we purchased them. We found they were extremely useful -saved so much time and eliminated distances we had to carry our heavy supplies. Also cut down on parking costs!
· More frequent check on loading zones.
· Reasonable parking system.
· Non-commercially licensed vehicles used by construction workers often clog lanes making space availability limited.
· You should allow people to put plates on the dash to prevent theft.
· Some areas are bad however if you avoid them, parking can be found.
· It is difficult finding spaces Downtown, but I have a small vehicle and can use the alleys.
· Years ago, lanes were classified as commercial. Now, there are very few commercial areas in lanes - most are permit-parking only - what good is a decal or plate? It's a waste of money.
· Tickets or towing should happen. When cars with no commercial plates are parked in commercial parking. Preferably towing.
· Insufficient commercial parking on streets & insufficient enforcement for non-decaled vehicles in commercial zones.
· Just need more parking places & enforcement/ towing of non-commercial users in commercial zones.

· Was informed re: new plate & decal plate was not required for renewal + decal was but cost for commercial permit has remained status quo. Why?

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· Having both plate & decal expire on the same date would help.
· The length of stay is often not long enough. I have to use meters or private parking lots.
· Some commercial spots have non-city, no parking signs where commercial spots should be. Example: alley between Pender & Dunsmuir/Burrard & Hornby.
· Due to limited commercial spaces in the Chinatown area, it's been difficult to find parking, therefore, we receive too many tickets. We need more spaces and a longer time stay for unloading.
· Non-permit people are using the spaces, therefore, availability has become limited. Better policing, more spaces.
· Would like to see more commercial loading zones.
· Works well - no need to change; increase enforcement on non-commercial vehicles (ie. tickets).
· I would like to see time limit increased to 45 min or 1 hour time limit as opposed to zoning.
· Allowing commercial vehicles to use "permit parking only" areas between 9 am - 3 pm would be a great help! Thanks!
· The commercial lanes only allow parking up to 30 mins, beyond that it gets towed! Also work at my store and in the South Granville area, you have to be lucky to find a space! I cannot apply for a residential parking permit for the area, since I am not a resident of the area. But I might as well be since I almost live in my store. Retail owners should be able to apply for a non-residential parking permit for their retail location.
· I have noticed it's harder to find a space - lots of little cars using system.
· While it gets more difficult to find commercial parking, I rarely can't find a spot in 10 minutes.
· Last year's plates didn't fit the car properly. And a lot of cars are not authorized to park in the zones (especially West 8th & Quebec) - very frustrating.
· More spaces required.
· I do not believe it is necessary to tow vehicles that have overstayed the time limit.....in most areas. The ticket is enough. Surely the person writing the ticket can visually see whether or not a vehicle should be towed or not!
· The amount of money spent for insurance, decals, and plates is very substantial. Enforcement people are very heavy on us, and let non-commercial vehicles leave or stay in our spaces quite often.
· More commercial street zones needed.
· No problems.
· Too much for plate & sticker; too many people use lanes that are not couriers.
· There is no justice.
· Non-licensed vehicles often block parking areas for extended periods - no solutions so far.

-10-

· Concern re: signage requirement for "at home" business. Do not wish to put home address & telephone number on sign for safety reasons.
· Longer times in alleys.
· Please enforce the use of commercial zones with parking/towing enforcement.
· This is my first application. No prior experience has occurred.
· The vehicles that fix places in Vancouver park all day in commercial lanes, making it difficult to find parking.
· More allowable time in heavily restricted private streets & more commercial zones.
· Extend the length of stay from 15 mins to 30 mins.
· Large delivery trucks blocking whole entire lanes always a problem Downtown.
· I wish the City would ticket more in Yaletown & Leg in the Boot Square near Monk McQueens.
· Need more than 30 mins to do job.
· Very time consuming finding parking spaces.
· Not being able to produce space due to other vehicles without commercial occupying commercial space.
· Fair system; fair enforcement.
· We need more parking areas for loading & unloading - Ticket men should be more considerate for working people.
· Keep private garbage bins somewhere else rather than blocking lanes. This is the biggest problem in trying to pass by larger delivery vehicles.
· Could be more lenient after 3 pm for parking.
· We need more commercial street zones.
· Need more commercial spaces.
· Yes, but it is becoming more difficult as unregistered vehicles continually park illegally in the Downtown area.
· Primarily use commercial lanes as they are more available - would like to see more commercial zones - not just for unloading.
· Often, there are people parked in commercial lanes/zones that do not have the plates/sticker! Also, there are too many "no parking" or "stopping" signs in the alleys Downtown where a commercial vehicle could park!
· Too many unlicenced vehicles in loading & commercial zones.
· Pleased with amount of space and current regulations.
· More commercial zones would assist finding a space.
· Commercial times not long enough - 30 minutes should be extended.
· In Chinatown, I've a very difficult time finding a space, and I find that as I park more than 20 minutes or so, I will get a ticket. It should extend the commercial zone parking.
· 1. Only oversized vehicles are allowed to use commercial lanes.

-11-

· Too many non-commercial vehicles in specified spots.
· Loading zone at Drake & Granville alongside the Yale Hotel is only good for 30 minutes and sometimes it takes longer to load/unload - the other day I got a ticket, I was just over 30 minutes and I have always had commercial plates & stickers.
· Yes, except the time limitation. Too short. Should be expanded to 2 hours.
· Cost of commercial plate sticker should not be the same cost as the plate & sticker together.
· Chinatown needs to be patrolled better for people parking in loading zone without permits.
· Please change loading zones to commercial loading zones & pay particular attention to zone on west side of street by B.C. Hydro building north of Pender.
· Vehicles that park in commercial lanes and commercial street zones without decals and commercial plates never seem to get ticketed often.
· Fees are too high.
· I paid for a plate that I keep and then when my renewal time is up, the City of Vancouver charges me the same price. I should get a new plate every year then or the City should take a % off the cost of renewal. Also, the date should be for a whole year, not part of a year. If I pay $78.50 on April 30th, I should have one year from that date. In both comments, I have to say "Let's think about it"!! The City of Vancouver money grab!!!
· Have been ticketed for being over 30 mins and 2 times for decal expiration.
· More economical spaces needed; we have to have them to make a living. Also, heavy fines for non-licensed vehicles in commercial areas.
· space seems very limited; too many people park for too long; other vehicles without commercial plate take the spaces on a regular basis!
· Two things: A reminder instead of a ticket when plate has expired would be an improvement. Focusing on removing non-commercial vehicles from commercial zones, especially near Pan Pacific area - Thx!!
· Not enough commercial lanes.
· Marked lanes are not always marked. Non-city signs (no parking); Do they have right to tow? I believe no in alleys.
· Could be enforced better.
· People often park in commercial zones with no decals/plates.
· It would help to solve/remove vehicles in Downtown alleys without plates.
· More commercial zones required & checking of cars that stay there for 2 -3 hours in zone because they have commercial decal.
· Need more area for commercial vehicles in the Downtown core. With all the new construction and restoration spots are picked up fast.
· Expensive stickers; no permanent stickers or markers - this enhances the crime committed on vehicles (no markers).
· Many commercial vehicles use commercial street zones for long time parking, making these limited spaces for other trucks.
· Too many people without commercial plates using commercial parking. Also, not enough parking spaces in many areas - ie. Broadway, Gastown, Fourth Ave.
· The length of stay could be longer due to the nature of my business. I can't always finish the job within 30 mins.

-12-

· Need more commercial parking.
· One sticker/decal per vehicle should be sufficient; why is it necessary for one plate, one decal for the plate and one decal for the windshield? Also, more commercial street zone spots needed on Robson Street.
· We are service-oriented, mainly concerned with emergency call where equipment is non-functional, computers, printers, etc. situations where companies can be non-functional. The Emergency Service Industry needs special consideration perhaps special plates would work. Cost is not a major issue, parking is a nightmare. Thank you for the opportunity to comment.
· Fairly pleased.
· I think for the access of parking received, it's extremely important in my work and very reasonably priced.
· I received a ticket on March 10 for an expired license. I think that I could get 2 weeks of grace or just a note saying that my license is expired!
· City cuts back on commercial parking space availability for metered parking, etc......There doesn't seem to be replenishment of spaces taken away.
· Please create more main street & commercial lane parking. Duration in Downtown should be made longer time (more than 30 mins then tow away). Sometimes you need to wait for an elevator and wait for people to sign the invoice - 30 mins is too rushed.
· Doing service work in Vancouver is a nightmare. Tools stolen 3 times (towed). Very rarely does a service take only 26 mins - usually 1 hour - 2 hours. There should be a service technician's decal at a cost of $100.00 - so that you can do service calls without worrying about being towed.
· Would like to see longer time limits allowed.
· Non-commercial vehicles always in spaces - no enforcement!
· Too many non-commercial vehicles using loading zones (street) and parking in the commercial lanes.
· We need more spaces available in the Downtown area.
· We need more commercial parking zones.
· Works when there is lane space.
· Better loading spaces in new buildings is a must.
· Extremely valuable service in the City. As a small business operator, I probably couldn't survive without one in the City.
· Only complaint I have, non-commercial vehicle parking in the commercial zone.
· Commercial service vehicles should be able to park longer in order to complete an emergency repair on a downtown building. Most buildings do not have parking available.
· I have used this program for many years without any difficulties.
· Better enforcement; quicker towing.
· 90 % of my time in restricted parking is for 30 - 45 mins. The license is for 20 min - I will call on 2/3 clients in the same area to drop off and pick up product & film and samples. My plates have been lost and ripped off in car washes - now I put it in my windshield.
· Don't mind purchasing decal yearly but feel the commercial plate should be a one time buy, not renewed every year.
· No renewal notice sent, almost towed because of expired commercial tag on March 5th -no grace. Also received ticket for not displaying company sign.

-13-

· Commercial zones are abused by certain businesses ie. VTV constantly parks their vehicles over the 30 minute limit in the alley behind Hotel Vancouver.
· More spaces & tickets now - more commercial vehicles!
· Better enforcement in lanes to stop non-decal vehicles from using them especially 4 - 6 pm period.
· Enforcement is inconsistent, found parking west of Burrard very aggressive and concerned about collision between tow truck drivers & enforcement officer (often seen together & noted officer riding with tow driver several times).

· Length of stay too short. Often have to walk 2+ blocks to location leaving little time to get back. Too many non-licensed vehicles using spaces.

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· There is a lack of bylaw enforcement officers - many times none. Commercial vehicles park in commercial area where we pay for the permit and other people enjoy the parking area.
· Commercial plates are given to people who use this space for public parking. This is always a problem for me especially because of the weight & size of goods I transport.
· More ticketing for non-commercial vehicles parking in commercial zones!
· Sometimes, different rules with differed parking enforcement undertaken; it is very frustrating!
· Pleasant staff, good service and good amount of availability.
· It would be better to have a full hour.
· Better enforcement in length of stay would free up more spots rather than creating new ones.
· The ticket givers are far too aggressive. I have gotten tickets for less than 30 minute stays and was almost towed away. Tow truck drivers seem to be very friendly & working with parking enforcement officers I have observed. As a business person, I must do business in the Downtown and the aggression displayed by parking officers makes it very difficult and is sabotaging commerce in Vancouver.
· Longer parking times in Yaletown would be helpful - a lot of the commercial activity in the area required meetings over 1 hour.
· Please do not cancel plates for cars. My business depends on quick delivery!
· Depending on the area of course, as well as the time of day. Commercial street zone times should be 1 hour, not just 30 mins.
· Need more space in street.
· More space would be nice. Longer stay allowed in lanes. If working on new construction, on-site parking usually not available.
· Yes, although parking enforcement should be on same page as city ie: municipal plates & decals should expire at same time and date.
· $50 for license plate is too much. Should be reduced.
· Should be able to buy new license without going to City Hall.
· Non-commercial vehicles occupying commercial spaces is most frequent problem.
· More spaces. Enforce the spaces so people without commercial plates do not park there. Thank you.
· Cost of permit should be higher and confined to vehicles that truly need access close to commercial buildings (ie. construction/telephone data/deliveries).

-14-

· I am sick and tired of having to park in public parking meter spaces because all mine are used up, and getting a ticket for it when I only spent 5 minutes there. The parking enforcers should be showing better judgement to us. I pay, so I should be able to use a public space for my length of time to do business without paying additional.
· Make building owners supply more space for over-sized vehicles: 3/4 small; 1/2 over-sized.
· Would like an automatic renewal system.

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