Snow Advisory
Prior to or instead of declaring a snow emergency, a "snow advisory" can be called requesting all motorists to park off-road wherever possible. During snow advisories, no vehicles will be towed unless, of course, it is a result of another parking infraction such as blocking a fire route.
Activation
The General Manager, Engineering & Operational Services will determine whether it is appropriate to activate a snow advisory and will notify the Chief of Police. A snow advisory will generally be called in anticipation of a major storm, or during a less severe storm. Based on recent weather patterns, it is anticipated that a snow advisory might be activated on average 1-3 times per year.
Duration and Conclusion
The snow advisory will continue to be broadcast at regular intervals until such time as weather and road conditions no longer warrant its transmission. These conditions will be monitored by the Director of Operations & Maintenance who will advise the Chief of Police when it is appropriate to conclude broadcasting the snow advisory message. The Chief of Police will in turn advise the radio stations.
Enforcement
The snow advisory is to encourage citizens to voluntarily park off-road, wherever possible, in order to facilitate snow clearing operations. Tagging and towing of vehicles, as carried out under the snow emergency, will not be enforced during a snow advisory. However, all other parking regulations, including the towing of vehicles parked in locations that result in a safety hazard will continue to be executed.
Financial Implications
Additional costs will be incurred both by the Police Department and the Works Department during a snow emergency. Chief of Police Derek McElveny in a letter dated September 15,2009 confirmed that the Police are prepared to allocate sufficient resources to deal with the emergency as per procedures.
Media Notification
The Chief of Police will notify radio stations within the Brantford listening area to play the following pre-recorded message:
"This is Police Chief Derek McElveny. The City of Brantford is anticipating a significant winter storm today, and I am issuing a storm advisory warning to all motorists. Drivers, please use extreme caution while operating your vehicles to ensure that you get to your destination safely. Parking your vehicles in driveways, both during the day and overnight, wherever possible, will greatly improve our ability to provide effective snow removal operations. Please stay well back from snow removal equipment and give these operators the room needed to safely perform their difficult snow-clearing task. Once again, this is a winter storm advisory from the Chief of Police. Please drive with care."
Upgrade to Snow Emergency
At anytime during a "snow advisory", the General Manager, Engineering & Operational Services may decide to declare a snow emergency, if warranted by deteriorating road and weather conditions. In that case, the procedures, as outlined in Section 1 of this report will come into effect.