Dear Editor:
I write to comment re: parking bylaws. I recently received a ticket for parking in a no-parking zone located directly in front of my housing complex in the District of North Vancouver.
I disputed the ticket for these reasons: I parked in the no parking zone on a Saturday morning for approximately 20 minutes, with my hazard lights flashing, to load some items to take to the Salvation Army. It involved several trips back and forth. My complex has 46 units, 32 of them, including mine, are located in the back of the complex where there is no direct car access that does not involve stairs. I argued that the particular spot I was parked in should in fact be a designated loading zone as it is routinely used for move ins/outs, trade vehicles, delivery trucks etc., does not impede flow of traffic up and down the street, and there is nowhere to park temporarily when loading numerous or heavy items from back units. There are many single parents and people with handicaps who live here and it is not always possible to leave someone with the car.
I was told to take it up with the engineering department and my dispute was denied.
Apparently, they will only cancel a ticket issued to a vehicle in a no-parking zone if the vehicle is broken down or if there is a medical emergency. No exceptions. Not only did I have to pay for the ticket, they also slapped on another 25 bucks for a lost dispute! My advice, don't bother. You can't fight city hall, right?
Heather Hunter, North Vancouver
