Tag: Ticket Dispute

Frustrated about getting a parking ticket and having to fight it, only to realize your court date is set for a time too far in the future? Well, the parking dispute process is about to change on Monday.

Back in 2015 the city cancelled 880,000 tickets due to limited court capacity that created delays in hearing challenges. They hope to stop that from happening again – by taking the disputes out of the courts.

So, what will the new system bring?

The city will handle disputes, with a better and faster review process. You will now be given the option of disputing your tickets online or in person with a screening officer. If you choose to review it in person, you will be able to schedule an appointment or drop in.

The reviews will allow you to:

• Explain why they should cancel or vary the violation
• Explain why you may need additional time to pay the fine

Officers then review it and make the decision to either: affirm, vary or cancel the fee, or give people additional time to pay.

They base their decision on grounds set out in the administrative penalty bylaw.

Now that you do not need to go to court, you may be wondering what you can do to appeal and if you can be represented by a lawyer or paralegal. Well, you can still do so.

Individuals can dispute and request a review of their violation. Once the screening officers review it, if you are not satisfied you can request a second review with an independent council-appointed hearing officer of the administrative penalty tribunal. However, the hearing officer’s decision is FINAL. At this point, you can appoint a lawyer, paralegal, or someone authorized under the Law Society Act to act on your behalf.

This process will allow the provincial court system to deal with more serious matters, as they free up the courts and also allow people fighting parking tickets the opportunity to have faster resolutions.

One thing that people may not be happy with (those who try to avoid getting the ticket), is that even if you drive away while the officer is writing the ticket, you will still receive it via the mail.

In addition to speeding up the process for people who would like to dispute tickets, the change will also save the city money in terms of what is spent on parking enforcement, which was approximately $65.7 million. The new system is expected to reduce it to $62.9 million.

At Devry Smith Frank LLP we have experienced lawyers in all areas of law. If you are looking for a lawyer or have general questions, please feel free to contact one of our lawyers today, or call us directly at 416-449-1400.

By: Nicolas Di Nardo

“This article is intended to inform and entertain. Its content does not constitute legal advice and should not be relied upon by readers as such. If you require legal assistance, please see a lawyer. Each case is unique and a lawyer with good training and sound judgment can provide you with advice tailored to your specific situation and needs.”