Halifax's overnight winter parking ban will begin this year on Dec. 15, the city announced Friday.

Starting Dec. 15, drivers are banned from parking their vehicles on the street between 1 a.m. and 7 a.m. The ban applies to any streets in the urban core.

Violators face a $50 fine, which will increase to $82.96 if it is not paid within 60 days. If cars are towed, owners are responsible for those costs.

The ban is scheduled to be in effect until March 31, 2011.

If there is snow that must be cleared off the streets — at any time of day — drivers can face fines if their parked vehicles block snow removal vehicles.

The winter parking ban has been a contentious issue and the Halifax Regional Municipality has received many complaints, particularly from homeowners who don't have driveways and have to hunt for parking spots overnight.