Have you ever received a parking ticket from the City of Vancouver?
While numerous drivers have been issued parking fines, many argue that the rules aren't clear or don't allow for reasonable flexibility, such as quickly picking up children from school. Others question why they receive photos in some instances and not in others.
The parking enforcement department told V.I.A. that its officers take a photo of a vehicle and licence plate to show drivers that they were in "violation of the parking bylaw."
But photographs aren't required to uphold a parking ticket; they are only used as "additional evidence." An officer must also include notes as mandatory evidence.
Find out what Vancouver residents need to know about paying parking tickets and how or if they can dispute them.
How does the city notify people about parking tickets?
The city will notify people about parking tickets by leaving them on vehicles or mailing them to the registered owner.
Drivers may not see their parking ticket on the vehicle if someone takes it or if someone else drives their car. In some instances, bylaw enforcement officers can't place the ticket on the vehicle (for example, the driver leaves before the officer finishes issuing the ticket).
A parking ticket is still valid under these circumstances and the car owner must pay the fines.
Drivers can view photos taken by bylaw officers who issued their tickets online.
Do bylaw officers take pictures of vehicles while guardians pick up kids from school?
Parking enforcement officers take a different approach to enforcing regulations in school zones. They are trained not to take photographs of vehicles to avoid having images with children in them.
"The officers will only take photos during school enforcement when they are absolutely certain no children are in the picture," parking enforcement said.
Why does parking enforcement issue tickets to parents picking up kids?
Parking enforcement enforces regulations to "eliminate the risks associated with accidents, especially involving students."
While one individual illegally stopping to pick up or drop off a child may not cause an issue, multiple drivers doing this may result in "obscured sightlines for 15 minutes or more," said parking enforcement.
"We will always prioritize the safety of students and children over the convenience of motorists."
The department added that even one driver stopping for a minute is "sufficient to cause an accident."
Parking ticket payment text message scam
The city warns drivers about a scam that targets people through text messages. The individual will receive a message requesting them to pay an overdue parking ticket.
- The city does not notify people about fines through texting, media, or social media.
- Any fraudulent messages should be reported to your cellphone provider and then deleted.
- Never click the link in the text or provide payment details.
What should I do if I have questions about a parking ticket?
Contact the city's ticket inquiry line at 604-257-8732 for questions related to parking tickets or if you think you have already paid for one. The office is open Monday to Friday, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
The city will ask for the following in a request:
- The ticket number on your reminder letter
- Your vehicle licence number
- Your name
Is there a chance that my parking ticket will be cancelled?
A parking ticket may be cancelled under a few circumstances, according to the city.
Your ticket may be cancelled if:
- Your car was stolen
- The ticket was issued to the wrong licence plate
- You were parked in an area where you have a valid parking permit
- A duplicate ticket was inadvertently issued for the same incident
If the city can't resolve an issue, staff will guide you through completing an adjudication request form. This online application must be completed within 14 days of the day the ticket was issued and the entire process may take up to one year to resolve.
Pay any parking tickets with the city online.
