By Richard Rolke - Vernon Morning Star Published: October 16, 2013 1:00 AM
A Vernon politician believes a basic response to motorists is being complicated. Coun. Catherine Lord voted against the draft parking enforcement policy Tuesday, insisting that it will do nothing to reduce conflicts between bylaw officers and residents using parking meters. “We are using a hammer to kill a mosquito,” she said of the 32-page document that outlines parking regulations. Lord believes the parking advisory committee and staff bypassed an opportunity to enhance customer service and issue warnings to motorists instead of issuing fines for infractions. “It’s absolutely ridiculous.” However, city staff say the goal of the policy is to educate the public on issues related to parking and meters. “We are trying to put everything out there in a plain and transparent manner,” said Amanda Watson, a transportation technician. But Lord counters that the magnitude of the document means most residents will never turn a page. “Not one of my neighbours will read the policy on how to avoid getting a parking ticket,” she said, adding that it will also be onerous for bylaw officers to navigate the requirements. “Giving them (officers) instruction should be a management responsibility. Setting things out in policy on how to behave won’t resolve anything. A lot of it is common sense and we’ve done away with that.”
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32 page Policy Document can be found at: http://www.vernon.ca/images/uploads/council/agendas/packages/131015_1.pdf P.62-94
Draft Parking Enforcement Policy, as attached to the memorandum dated October 7, 2013, from the Transportation Engineer, which provides a clear and transparent parking regulations, to ensure the safe and orderly flow of traffic and to maximize the availability of each parking space for the benefit of the whole community
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