Ottawa Municipal Police issued 30 parking tickets and towed eight vehicles from the heart of downtown today, Sunday, the last day the vehicle control zone remains in effect.

The surveillance area, aimed at preventing another occupation similar to the convoys near the Parliament Building, came into effect at 8 a.m. on Wednesday in preparation for Canada Day celebrations and potential protests.

While the roads remain open to traffic, vehicles participating in protests are prohibited, and no parking or stopping is allowed in the area.

In a Sunday afternoon update, Ottawa Bylaw said that since 8 a.m. Wednesday, officers issued 513 parking tickets - 186 tickets on Saturday and Sunday - and towed 121 vehicles.

Six tickets were issued for highway occupancy, one ticket for carrying materials on the highway, and three tickets for unlicensed mobile refreshment vehicles.

Municipal Police Bylaw Services say three tickets were issued for unauthorized use of fireworks, while one ticket was issued for urinating in a public place.

Bylaw Services said on Twitter Sunday afternoon, "We thank all residents and visitors who celebrated Canada Day with respect for Ottawa’s residents and laws."

Ottawa Police did not comment on the police operation in downtown Ottawa during the Canada Day long weekend.

It is worth noting that officers from the Royal Canadian Mounted Police (RCMP), Ontario Provincial Police (OPP), and municipal police forces across the country joined Ottawa Police to ensure the police plan was implemented, security maintained, and no chaos or disorder allowed on Canada Day.

Mayor Jim Watson told local media he believes the Canada Day celebrations and police presence went "really well."

Explaining, "We were better prepared, had more police officers on time, called on them from different police forces, and at the end of the day, I think what we did was ensure there was police presence but we were also very firm in issuing tickets."

The vehicle control zone extends from Sussex Drive in the east to Booth Street in the west, and from Wellington Street in the north to Laurier Avenue in the south.

It also includes Sir John A. Macdonald Parkway east of Parkdale Street.
It will remain in effect until 6 a.m. tomorrow, Monday.