Parking in Cobourg appears to be confusing once again — not for drivers trying to follow the rules, but for those responsible for crafting and implementing the by-laws.
This is not a criticism of frontline by-law officers doing their jobs. Rather, the confusion seems rooted in how the rules are written, posted, and communicated to the public.
Lessons Not Fully Learned
Residents may remember the issues surrounding the Charles Street parking lot. At the time, signage was widely criticized as unclear. Drivers who believed they were parking properly — purchasing tickets and displaying them on their windshields — were nevertheless issued fines as high as $160.
While signage has since improved following years of complaints and coverage by Today’s Northumberland, that resolution offers little comfort to those who spent time and money contesting tickets in court.
A New Flashpoint on Tremaine Terrace
A similar situation appears to have unfolded on Sunday, February 22, 2026, when roughly 10 vehicles were ticketed on Tremaine Terrace.
Many of the drivers were anglers, regular visitors to the popular fishing area along Cobourg Creek and the Lake Ontario shoreline. For them, parking in the area is routine — and based on posted signs, seemingly permissible.
There are several No Parking and No Stopping signs at the east-end cul-de-sac. However, those signs specify restrictions only during certain seasonal windows — March 1 to May 31 and September 1 to November 30 — and only overnight between 11 p.m. and 7 a.m.
Drivers say they relied on that signage. Some did not even realize they had been ticketed until later.
Yet the offence listed on the tickets reads: “Park on a cul-de-sacs and wide corners (November 1 – March 31)” with a $75 fine.
Signage vs. Enforcement
If clear signage indicated a blanket prohibition on parking in the cul-de-sac, drivers would have little grounds for complaint. But when posted signs appear to allow parking outside specific times and seasons — and a separate, unposted restriction is enforced — confusion is inevitable.
This disconnect between signage and enforcement risks undermining public confidence and fuels the perception of revenue-driven enforcement rather than safety-driven policy.
The Burden on Residents
Perhaps the most frustrating aspect is what comes next. Contesting a ticket often means navigating an appeal process, taking time off work, and dealing with administrative hurdles — all for drivers who believed they were complying with the rules.
For many, the time and effort required to fight a $75 ticket can feel disproportionate, effectively discouraging challenges even when concerns are valid.
A Simple Fix
Situations like this call for common-sense solutions. Clear, consistent signage aligned with by-law enforcement would prevent misunderstandings and unnecessary fines. Where ambiguity exists, discretion and ticket cancellation should be considered.
At minimum, the Town of Cobourg should review the Tremaine Terrace situation promptly. If drivers reasonably relied on posted signage, fairness suggests those tickets deserve reconsideration.
Because when residents and visitors believe they are parking legally — only to find a ticket on their windshield — the issue isn’t compliance. It’s clarity.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
