A number of people have contacted Today’s Northumberland regarding what could be perceived to be “tickets” on their cars in parking lots.
The “invoices” have been located on the windshields of vehicles at SmartCentres including 66 Strathy Road which is where Winners along with other stores are located.
The manger at Winners told Today’s Northumberland they have nothing to do with the invoices that are being placed on the vehicles.
The information on the paper that Today’s Northumberland was given by two people states the reason the invoice was placed under the wiper of the windshield is, “vehicle occupant(s) failed to remain on this property.”
“Since you, the occupant(s) of the vehicle parked and did not remain on and attend establishments located on this property, the fee for the patrolling and monitoring was up to $350.00/day.”
“This invoice is issued pursuant to the contract you entered into by parking at the above-noted location. The fee for patrolling and monitoring is $80.00 due 2019-Dec-24.”
“If the amount of this invoice is not paid in full or in accordance with the discounts extended herein, the matter may be referred to a debt collection agency or subject to legal action.”
There is a section on the invoice to place a credit card number and appropriate information.
The invoice also states there is an “available discount” if the payment is made within four days of the date of the invoice and they will accept $40.00.
Manager of Legislative Services for the Town of Cobourg (Municipal Clerk) Brent Larmer stated, “these tickets are not enforceable by the Town of Cobourg and would not be part of our enforcement regime.”
These tickets or invoices are not issued by the Town of Cobourg, and there is no relationship between the Town and this private company stated Larmer.
In larger municipalities it is common for private guards to be given the ability to enforce parking bylaws added Larmer.
They have to be approved by the Town (as bylaw enforcement officers, with limited power to only be able to enforce parking bylaws).
“In the Town we have no such agreement, to provide this power to Private Security Companies.”
If any member of the public has a concern with the validity of a parking ticket Larmer advises, to call the Town of Cobourg to see if it was issued by the Town of Cobourg and receive information on the steps.
“If you have received a “look-a-like” parking ticket, and are looking for advice about whether you should pay the ticket, you should speak with someone who is trained in law, ie. a lawyer, as this is a civil matter.”
Tickets issued by Municipally of Cobourg are by appointed By-law Enforcement Officers, Cobourg Police Sworn Officers and Specials and also Fire Department Officers, not privately wwned security companies.
All of the Municipality of Cobourg tickets will have reference to the Parking By-law No. 080-2014 and the By-law Section, and will have on the rear of the ticket the Provincial Offences Process related to the Provincial Offences Act for Part II fines. Also on the back will have the opportunity for the individual to apply for a court date and have a hearing pursuant to provincial and federal due process.
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
