Steinbach City Council has given third and final reading to their newly revamped traffic by-law.

Municipal traffic bylaws govern everything from the installation of traffic controls such as lights and signs to spring weight restrictions.

Not long ago, Steinbach CAO Troy Warkentin says the province implemented the Municipal By-Law Enforcement Act which gives the city a greater ability to enforce its rules. He notes the city's old traffic by-law, which was first introduced 26 years ago, is not very compatible with this new penalty system.

In September of last year, city administration presented a new traffic bylaw to council at a committee meeting. Council asked for a number of tweaks to be made and once those changes were completed, the bylaw was presented to council for approval.

Councillor Michael Zwaagstra outlines some of the bigger changes.

"The biggest adjustment here that I will just highlight is we are increasing fines, penalties for certain things, for things such as damaging, defacing, removing, or obscuring a traffic control device so vandalism. The fine is $1,000. Also significant fine increase as well for the failure to display a valid disability parking permit."

The previous maximum fine for parking in a disability parking stall without a permit was $100 and that has now gone up to $250.