Vaughan Recognized as Leader for Implementing Local System to Resolve Parking Ticket Disputes
The City of Vaughan has been cited as a leading example of a municipality implementing a local system for residents to appeal provincial parking and licensing offences by the Law Commission of Ontario. In its recent Modernization of the Provincial Offences Act report, the Commission recommends the wider use of Administrative Monetary Penalties, noting that Vaughan is one of only two municipalities to implement such a system for enforcing parking by-laws.
“This report reinforces the City of Vaughan’s leadership position in helping Vaughan residents save as much time as possible when it comes to resolving these type of disputes,” said Mayor Maurizio Bevilacqua. “By taking minor offences like parking tickets out of provincial court and putting them in the hands of municipal adjudicators, residents are able to quickly deal with these issues right here in Vaughan, as opposed to a court case which could take an extended length of time to resolve.”
Under the system, residents can dispute penalty notices through a local Screening Officer, followed by a quasi-judicial Hearings Officer who can confirm, change or cancel the penalty notice. In 2008, the City’s Commissioner of Legal & Administrative Services recommended Administrative Monetary Penalties to address increased wait times for residents and the need to free up space in provincial court for more serious matters.
The Law Commission of Ontario is recommending that every municipality be required to establish a system of Administrative Monetary Penalties to enforce parking by-laws, calling it an important development that is “more efficient and less expensive” than the Provincial Offences regime for such regulatory offences.
“This is a great example of innovation and service excellence,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “The system we have put in place in the City of Vaughan has resulted in a number of positive outcomes, including enhanced customer service and a more efficient administration of the process.”
Under the system, residents can dispute penalty notices through a local Screening Officer, followed by a quasi-judicial Hearings Officer who can confirm, change or cancel the penalty notice. In 2008, the City’s Commissioner of Legal & Administrative Services recommended Administrative Monetary Penalties to address increased wait times for residents and the need to free up space in provincial court for more serious matters.
The Law Commission of Ontario is recommending that every municipality be required to establish a system of Administrative Monetary Penalties to enforce parking by-laws, calling it an important development that is “more efficient and less expensive” than the Provincial Offences regime for such regulatory offences.
“This is a great example of innovation and service excellence,” said City Manager Clayton Harris. “The system we have put in place in the City of Vaughan has resulted in a number of positive outcomes, including enhanced customer service and a more efficient administration of the process.”