Public complaints may be the best way to fight parking tickets

To the editor:

Re: 'Parking tickets a nasty tax grab,' Letters, March 5.

I had an experience almost identical to that of letter writer D. Slotnick.

A Toronto police officer issued a parking ticket while I sitting in my car waiting to pick up my wife from church. The service was over and attendees were already exiting. I was stopped for not more than five minutes.

When I got out of the car and challenged the officer, he refused to even speak to me, much less take back the ticket.

My court experience was enlightening.

Those who plead guilty with an explanation generally get a significant fine reduction. Anyone who actually contests the same charge gets hit with the full fine.

Based on my experience, trying to fight the system in court is hopeless.

I believe the charge against Slotnick has now been dropped. Maybe loud public complaints are the best tactic.

Ron McCutcheon