No overnight parking

During the holiday season, like many folks, I was visiting with friends.

This particular friend lives in Bolton. And of course, alcoholic beverages were served. I had decided driving after enjoying the holiday spirit was not the conscientious or responsible thing to do. So, it was decided that I stay the night.

My friend lives within the Bolton town limits and on a residential street.

There were no "No Parking" signs posted on the street and I was parked in front of my friend's house. To my surprise the following morning I found a parking infraction notice on my car windshield stating the operator of the vehicle committed the parking infraction of "park between the hours of 2 a.m. & 6 a.m."

Further inquiries were made directly to the Town of Caledon, only to be told there is a single sign posted on each main streets entering Bolton that "no parking is allowed during the hours of 2 a.m. and 6 a.m." As a matter of fact similar signs are posted on main streets entering the Town of Caledon.

So, I'm at fault, silly me for not seeing this sign while focusing on traffic conditions.

No alternate parking was available in this large subdivision. My car had to be moved and a few of glasses of wine is enough to blow over the limit.

The only choice made available to me was to go home under the influence. I know how irresponsible that would be but the Town of Caledon insists it's the only choice available. Does the Town of Caledon endorse drinking and driving?

The Town of Caledon must understand its responsibility in finding a timely and viable solution considering its increasing need to pack houses like sardines and shrink road allowances to the point where parking on a residential street is rather life-threatening. Instead of, placing a house on every lot, why not designate one lot per city block of houses open and convert it into overnight parking? Placing an automated ticket machine at the entrance/exit and charging a realistic parking rate would provide a responsible solution.

The car is an essential factor in the growth and development of Caledon and it is time to stop using the driver and the car as a cash cow. It is time to find mature, responsible and forward thinking solutions to parking problems now, rather than later.

Name Withheld

on Request