Drivers defy Pearson airport by parking on roadside awaiting passengers

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Toronto Pearson International Airport is reminding people picking up arriving passengers not to park on the roadside in a not-so-subtle way.

On Tuesday, Pearson posted a photo on its X account of many cars parked on the curb underneath a large sign that reads: “No waiting on curbs. $85 fine.”

Beneath the photo, the airport wrote: “This is (literally) a sign that you should wait in our Cellphone Waiting Areas, not on the roadside. The waiting areas are free for 45 minutes and a short drive from the terminal.”

Reaction on social media was swift and not very pleasant.

“There are ALWAYS cars parked on the side of the road. Do you ever fine anyone?” wrote @GolfdaleGirl on X.

“Put a camera and fine anyone who stops/parks there. Problem solved!” wrote @Divinshah.

“I’ve never seen the curbside enforcement take place, so why would you expect it to change? If you’re not going to enforce it, nothing will change,” added @PurpleGrove.

“Been like this for at least 20 years,” wrote @leeman24.

“Ppl abuse this area, where they know it’s free,” wrote @lmn071966.

Over at @areacode416x on Instagram, who reposted the photo, @shelbypherris wrote: “The lots aren’t easy to find if you don’t know about them. Need bigger signage.”

Added @eshan.abdi84: “Toronto sucks at signage. Without Google Maps, I’d get lost everywhere here.”

“Sadly people just don’t care to be honest,” wrote @aaron.dhanraj.

“So instead of taking a picture of the sign, why not take a picture of the waiting area they want us in?” summed up @weaintfinnadothis.

When asked Thursday about how many fines are laid daily, weekly or monthly for illegal curbside parking, Toronto Pearson spokesperson Sean Davidson said: “Parking on the roadsides around the terminals is unsafe and increases the risk of preventable collisions.”

“We regularly remind drivers of this through roadway signage, on our website and on Toronto Pearson social media channels,” he said. “Frequent patrols are conducted by both Peel Regional Police and various mobile patrols to ensure roadway safety.”