Dear Editor:
I thought readers might be interested in sharing with your readers what goes on when visitors come to West Vancouver and how disrespectfully visitors and guests are treated.
Every year a group of retired nurses get together for a luncheon to catch up on all the news and share memories etc. This year's event was scheduled for March 10 at our friend's home on Mathers Avenue.
We were having a fun time when a bylaw officer knocked at the door and told us: "Whoever has parked on the street needs to remove their cars immediately before they are towed."
Confused and shocked three of us rose to our feet and grabbed our car keys to do what we were asked to do. There was a ticket on my front windshield. I asked the bylaw officer the ticket was for, to which he replied: "You are not allowed to park on this side of the street." When I asked about No Parking signs, he replied in a condescending manner: "You have a driver's licence, don't you? Then you know what a solid yellow line means."
I was upset by his comment, but continued to suggest that signs would make a big difference. The bylaw officer told me I could dispute the ticket but there was nothing he could do now as it was already issued.
The experience put a huge, disappointing "hole" in our luncheon. After reading the ticket and noting the hefty fines, I called the telephone number on the ticket to try and dispute it over the phone. After a 10-minute conversation with the acting supervisor, Jamie Rollins - who was also the officer that placed the tickets on the windshields - I was told I would have to dispute this in writing.
I did try to explain that the owner of the home was not even aware that her guests are not allowed to park outside her home, she was also very upset. I did ask why we could not have received a warning, to which the officer replied I could dispute the ticket. However, if I did that and lost, I would have to pay another $25 on top of the already hefty fine.
I have always obeyed the law. If No Parking signs had been displayed on the street, I would not have parked there. I am from Port Moody area and we have posted signs in areas where you are not allowed to park. Not having signs posted makes it a guessing game. I am not sure I will be back to the District of West Vancouver anytime soon as I will be afraid where to park.
Linda Price Port Moody
