"Car with Wheel Clamp" by Jeffrey Beall is licensed under CC BY-SA 2.0.

Two changes to the Impounding Bylaw have been passed by Saskatoon’s Transportation Committee.

Following several accounts of unrecouped losses, the City has proposed that new rules be implemented regarding wheel clamps or ‘boots’. In recent years, it has been difficult to lay charges of tampering with vehicle boots due to a lack of evidence about the offender.

With the new adjustments, the owner of the vehicle will be responsible for any penalties that come as a result of tampering with a boot, unless they are able to prove that they were not involved. The language in the bylaw will also be broadened to make it an offence for the vehicle’s owner to direct anyone else to tamper with the boot to avoid liability. So, not only will the accomplice be liable, but the registered owner will, as well.

Since 2020, there have been 13 instances of people tampering with wheel clamps, but only two of them were found culpable. Not only did the City have to replace the damaged boots, at roughly $1000 a piece, but it was also unable to collect $4650 in outstanding fines.

The changes will still need to be brough before City Council in order to be finalized.