Toronto ponders taking photos, then ticketing cars blocking bike lanes

City of Torontobylaw officerscould begiven the green light by this springto ticket vehicles illegally parked in bike lanes by snapping a photo.

If the change is implemented, staffwould be able to use the photo to look up the registered owner of the vehicle and then send that persona ticket in the mail.

As it stands now, an officer must put the ticket on the vehicle, but that could change if the city moves to this model, dubbed theadministrative monetary penalty system, in whichless serious offences are taken out of court.

• Blocked bike lanes heat up war between cyclists, drivers

Cycling advocates say themove could help keep bike lanes clear.

Jared Kolb,executive director of the cycling advocacy group Cycle Toronto,says for many drivers, the risk of a $150 fine is not a sufficient deterrent.

"We know there's a $150 fine out there but drivers are ignoring it," he said. "Even if a parking enforcement officer shows, they can just drive away."

Although the city has added more bike lanes in recent years, this hasn't led to a corresponding increase in the number of parking tickets issued to drivers who block them.

In 2013, there was 198 kilometres of bike lanes and 6,719 tickets issued to drivers for parking in them.

By 2015, Toronto had 229 kilometres of bike lanes, but they were the source of only 6,503 parking tickets.

City staff will report on the idea in the next few months. It could come before council for a vote in time for the start of cycling season in the spring.