CAMBRIDGE — George Singh likes the fact that he can now park an extra car across the end of his driveway, but not the cumbersome way the city approved it.

After the Chinmey Hill Drive resident got a ticket for parking across the end of his driveway apron — like he’s seen elsewhere in the city — he was told neighbourhoods have to ask for the privilege.

Helpful city staff told him he had to get 51 per cent of residents to sign a petition endorsing the “lower driveway boulevard parking.” After that’s submitted, the city investigates the area and sends letters to residents to confirm their support. Then the recommendation goes to city council for a vote.

“I think there’s a lot of administrative costs that can be covered with the internet or something to contact people ... you need to simplify the process,” Singh said.

Coun. Linda Whetham said staff will taken note of his concerns. City councillors didn’t ask any questions of Singh this week. Coun. Rick Cowsill said he’s long had concerns about the way the residential parking program works, before approving it on three more streets.

Apron parking is now allowed on Langlaw Drive east of Christopher Drive; the full length of Chimney Hill Drive; and Burnett Avenue, Cowan Boulevard to Robson Avenue.

The same neighbourhood majority petition process convinced councillors to permit on-street parking for a maximum of 24 hours at a time on MacTeith Court.

City council approved the “residential parking program” in March 2007, after residents in new subdivisions complained they don’t have enough on-street parking.

Before this week’s apron parking approvals, eight other neighbourhoods filled out petitions to get the extra off-street places for their cars between the road and the sidewalk.

Waterloo doesn’t allow parking on the driveway apron, because it’s part of the public road, said Phil Hewitson, public works director.

“Officially, no. It is happening. We’re just not actively enforcing it,” he said.

If someone complained, a city bylaw officer would go out and issue a warning and ask that the car be moved, he said.