Dear Editor:
As of Nov. 30, until April 1, residents without private parking who live in downtown Elora (like me) will be at risk of fines and/or towing. During that time period, overnight street parking is prohibited for snow removal, and all public lots have a 24-hour parking limit.
In the past, the OPP was responsible for enforcing the overnight parking rule, but customarily would not issue tickets in the absence of snow.
Now that we have parking enforcement officers, I’m sure the rules will be enforced–after all, that’s their job.
As for the 24-hour limit in public lots, I know that due to bad weather or illness there will be many times that I simply won’t be able to move my car every day.
Everyone tells me “Don’t worry, they won’t ticket.” How can I be sure? Given the enormous cost of a ticket and a tow, plus the major inconvenience of recovering one’s vehicle, I don’t want to take that risk.
I am asking that council adopt a very simple solution: issue a card or sticker that residents can display in their vehicle to forestall a ticket or tow in public lots.
I would hope that council could expedite this solution in a timely manner for this winter. In the meantime, I am posting my own card in my vehicle identifying myself as a resident, with address and contact information, and I hope that the parking authority will issue orders that such notices will be respected and no fines imposed.
I know I am not alone with this dilemma; other residents may be affected and I hope they will also speak up.
Mary Anne Neville,
Elora