On March 9, at approximately 10:30 a.m., I was parked in the “drop books off” reserved area of the library parking lot. The signage reads reserved for library book drop only.
I am partially disabled with a handicap sign for my car which was displayed, however I am able to get my books in the outside drop and back to my car in a timely manner.
However the book drops were locked and I was forced to enter the library to return my books.
While in the library I talked to the information officer in passing and picked up some books to save a future trip and returned to my car, being no longer than 10-12 minutes.
Upon returning I had a ticket from the bylaw-enforcement officer for parking for “5+ minutes.” I find it interesting that they specified “5+ minutes” on the ticket when the sign that I was parked in front of did not specify a time limit.
I filled out the adjudication form and received a phone call from their office March 12, and I explained what had happened and they said it was pretty cut and dried. I took too long and had to pay the fine, which I have done.
My concern with this is that they state a time on the ticket but there is no warning on the sign as to a time limit and they do not take into consideration special circumstances like inability to move quickly, the bins being closed forcing a trip into the library.
I would just like to warn other seniors with mobility problems there is no slack cut for us.
Brian Reilly, Vernon
