Screenshot from video done by Today's Northumberland.ca
A number of people appealed their parking tickets they received during the summer of 2024 in Cobourg.
The common theme for the people who were contesting the ticket, was the amount of the ticket and lack of proper signage at the Charles Street parking lot.
The appeal hearings (AMPS (Administrative Monetary Penalty System) were heard at the council chambers of Victoria Hall on Monday, November 24, 2024.
Vehicle owners have said over the last few years that it’s very confusing because there is a pay and display machine directly in front of the parking lot on the north west side of the entrance along with a green “P” sign that indicates parking.
On the north east side there is a sign stating that parking lot is only for residents of the municipality who have a season parking pass.
One individual asked Hearings Officer Neha Chugh if they could toss the ticket as his birthday was the day before the hearing and it would be a nice present.
Antoun Saleeb was visiting Cobourg on August 3, 2024 looking for a place to park with his family when he saw the green P sign on Charles Street and another sign that stated “pay here.”
“You go anywhere and once you see the green P sign, means you’re allowed to pay and park.”
Saleeb did pay for parking. His family including his wife two kids said they had a good time enjoying the town.
When he came back to his vehicle he had received a $160.00 parking ticket.
Saleeb didn’t realize the parking lot was only for residents of Cobourg.
“It’s a big town, it’s a beautiful town and we love the town,” but Saleeb added it would be better
for visitors coming to make it clear which area is for residents and which is for general parking.
“I don’t think the people of Cobourg need to get money in this misleading situation which is not clear.”
“It ruined my day after having a good time. I paid for parking.”
Admitting that English is not his first language, he added the signage wasn’t very clear.
“Yesterday was my birthday – and I’d really appreciate if you would consider if you can void this parking ticket as my birthday gift.”
Kevin Feagan – Manager, Bylaw Enforcement and Licensing for the Town of Cobourg stated the ticket was given as the vehicle didn’t have a resident pass and the meter that Saleeb was referring too was outside the lot on the northwest corner.
“The meter is outside the lot and that meter is for on-street parking and for lots other than the resident only lot.”
“The town has undertaken with some degree of effort to demonstrate that this is a resident only lot. In fact, as you enter the lot it would be impossible to enter the lot without seeing a very large red and white sign approximately four feet square and it’s located exactly at the entrance of the lot.”
Feagan also said there is a secondary sign, same size, at the rear of the lot.
Feagan said the green P sign which is not in the lot is approximately 12″ x 8″.
Saleeb replied to Feagan’s comments by saying it would be better to move the green P sign away from the parking lot so people wouldn’t get confused.
“It is a very innocent mistake in this situation. If I had known it was for residents only, I would not have parked there.”
Because Saleeb paid $20 for parking, Feagan stated a fine of $140.00 would be acceptable.
The Hearings Officer asked Saleeb if he had a counter offer.
“If you can help out, my birthday was yesterday and consider it as a birthday gift and just tell me, “enjoy your birthday.”
The Hearings Officer wished Saleeb a “happy birthday” and later reduced the fine to $100.00 payable to the Town of Cobourg.
On Saturday, July 6, 2024 Roderick Reitano and his family visited Cobourg to attend the beach.
Reitano said the beach was “packed” when he arrived and noticed the sign that stated there was parking at the lot entrance and there were a few parking spots available.
“We pulled in – found a spot – paid for the parking.”
“The green P, parking sign is closest to the lot. I had every reason to believe and still do, that that parking meter is for that lot.”
Reitano said he didn’t see any other signage, but admits after seeing the green P sign he wasn’t looking for other signage.
When he came back, he found the ticket on his vehicle.
“I paid for my parking and that’s that.”
Feagan stated the ticket was given as the vehicle didn’t have a resident pass.
Feagan said the town has undertook to “clearly demonstrate” by posting a “large sign” immediately at the entrance into the lot, and one at the back. Both are approximately four-feet square.
“This is in contrast to a meter which is located outside of the parking lot on the northwest corner and it’s for on-street parking.”
Reitano reaffirmed his statement by saying, “the sign was not clear.”
“There is a green P parking sign there. I’m not from Cobourg. From the entrance that we came from that sign was not visible.”
“I’ve had no parking tickets – ever. My intent was to be an honest visitor – pay for my parking and go and enjoy the beach and go home.”
Stating the amount of the fine set at $160.00 is “astronomical.”
“I have never seen a $160.00 fine for this type of infraction.”
“I don’t understand that it’s stated it’s “clearly” (marked) and it’s not.”
“Something’s wrong here.”
“It’s not as clear as you guys are stating it is.”
“I’m in awe.”
Reitano was fined was reduced to $100.00 payable to the Town of Cobourg.
Justin Pestano testified they’ve only been to Cobourg twice and thought the ticket he received for $160.00 was a bit “steep” when he parked in the lot on August 24, 2024.
Pestano went to see a friend and when he was informed of the parking rules he went back to his vehicle, but had already received the ticket.
Feagan said in his testimony that the signs in the parking lot are “very conspicuous” which is located at the entrance and rear of the lot indicating it is a residence only.
The initial ticket was $160.00, but the total fine was for $175.00 because of the late fee.
Pestano’s fine was reduced to $80.00 payable to the Town of Cobourg.
On August 4, 2024 Salah Fouani parked in the Division Street lot which is pay and display parking.
Both Fouani and her friend tried paying through Apple pay.
“We tried a couple of times and it didn’t go through.”
Feagan testified, “the Town certainly has no way of guaranteeing online functionality in that case. Most often, it’s our experience that often this relates to operator error or the individuals device at the time.”
Fouani’s fine was be reduced to $65.00 payable to the Town of Cobourg.
(Written by: Pete Fisher, Today’s Northumberland)
