Double standards

Photo: Contributed

I was out for a cruise on Wednesday night with my family and we parked by the lake in Peachland for a picnic. When we returned to the vehicle there was a bylaw officer by my car in the process if issuing a ticket for parking in a "small car space”. I had noted when parking that the spaces were on the small side, but there were very few other cars parked and no visible markings in the road, and as my vehicle is a classic 1971 Mopar, most parking spaces seem small in comparison! 

My challenge to the bylaw officer about the absence of any road markings had him point out a very small sign at the beginning of the line, which I must admit I hadn't noticed. Already having issued the ticket, he was unable to rescind it. 

Although annoyed that my family trip into Peachland had now become an expensive night out, I had to admit that it was my mistake and take it on the chin! 

As I pulled away I noticed that in his eagerness to issue a ticket, the officer himself had double parked his SUV, in the same “small cars only” space.  There were many other free spaces on both sides of the road that he could have chosen. 

When paying the ticket I pointed out the violation to the clerk. She encouraged me to file a complaint. Within a couple of hours I got the following response: "Thank you for submitting a complaint form to the District. You had indicated that an Officer was parking in contravention of the Traffic Regulation Bylaw and submitted photos of the incident. The Officer on duty that day was acting in accordance with the District of Peachland Traffic Regulation Bylaw. Although it would appear that the vehicle is in contravention of the bylaw, the Officer is allowed to park his vehicle as he sees necessary while acting in the course of his duties. The Officers safety and public safety is always taking into consideration when he is performing his duties. In this incident the Officer was acting correctly in a safe manner. I hope you find this helpful, please contact me if you have any questions." 

So, it appears that bylaw officers do not have to adhere to the very same laws that they are enforcing! A clear case of double standards here! What's next? Bylaw officers smoking on the beaches with their unleashed dogs? 

Pete Neal