Today I received my first parking ticket after 47 years of driving. The scene of the crime was the Seniors’ Centre on South Main.
The problem, lack of parking due to a robust turnout for the all candidates forum.
Yes, I did park on the street where there was a no stopping sign. Was my car a hindrance to traffic or safety, I do not believe so. Did I think common sense would prevail should a bylaw officer swing by? Yes. But, apparently not.
So the point of this letter is not really my $40 ticket, but the fact that I travel this route, Yorkton/South Main very frequently. Bylaw must close their eyes every time they come to that intersection.
Almost always there are cars parked to the corner in the broken line turning area on South Main. Vehicles on Yorkton turning left onto South Main cannot see what is coming.
Basically, cross your fingers, hit the gas and hope for the best. Oncoming cars can brake, a speedy road biker will probably not fare so well. This corner is a real problem. This corner should have real signage and enforcement.
So, now I am sad because where I thought there would be common sense, there was none. Hence, a cheap life lesson.
An innocuous transgression receives a penalty whereas an everyday hazard goes unnoticed.
Maybe this $40 ticket inspired letter will help to prevent a serious accident at Yorkton and South Main. I sure hope so.
Wendy Strachan
Penticton
