Report Illegal Bike Lane Parking in Toronto
Drivers in Toronto generally know that it’s illegal to park in bike lanes. They just don’t care, because they don’t think they’ll face any consequences.
However, drivers who are caught parking in the bike lane can be hit with a $150 $200 fine.
If you’re a disgruntled citizen who’d like to see the law enforced against irresponsible drivers, how can you report them? Well, we’ll walk you through your options.
Online Reporting
Illegal bike lane parking can be reported online via the Toronto Police Service’s online parking complaint form.
To answer the first question, “What type of incident are you experiencing?”, choose the option at the bottom right “Bicycle Lane is Blocked or Other Parking Incident”, then click “next”.
Fill out as much information as you can (not everything is required), and make sure to write in the details box that you’re reporting someone parking in the applicable bike lane. Then submit your complaint.
Phone Reporting
Illegal bikelane parking can be reported via telephone by calling 416-808-2222.
Wait for the automated system to start listing options, then you’ll have to hit “4” a few times to get to the parking reporting operator.
Sometimes they’ll send you to a waiting line or voicemail that no one will ever listen to, and sometimes you’ll be able to actually report the illegal parking to someone.
Will Anyone Enforce the Law?
Sometimes, yes. But more often than not, no one will arrive in time to enforce the law. This is an issue we’ve raised over and over to city staff, councillors, and police.
We are currently working with the office of Councillor Dianne Saxe (University-Rosedale) to try and establish a system of reporting-by-photo. If you support this, please look up who your city councillor is, and email them to request this.
If you’d like any assistance, contact our group and we may be able to help you.