I’m writing to share my recent experience with a private digital parking lot in Colwood, where I was issued a $65 fine for a brief five-minute stop – despite being told by the on-site parking attendant that there would be no fee since it was a first-time mistake.
The lot used a digital plate registration system, which requires drivers to input their licence plate through a smartphone or digital kiosk. If you don’t register – even briefly – you’re hit with an escalating fine: $65, jumping to $90 after 10 days.
When I realized I hadn’t registered, I spoke directly to the parking attendant, explained it was a genuine mistake, and asked if I would be fined. He assured me there would be no penalty. But that was not true. A week later, I received the full fine in the mail, and when I tried to dispute it – twice – I was told the best they could offer was a 50% reduction, even after explaining I had acted in good faith and received misleading information from their staff.
What’s worse is that these systems assume everyone has a smartphone or knows how to navigate a digital process, and they leave no room for honest mistakes. I’ve since shared this story on Facebook and discovered many others in Colwood and Greater Victoria have had similar experiences – often seniors, people without phones, or those confused by unclear signage.
These are not government-issued tickets. They are invoices from private companies, designed to intimidate people into paying. There’s no appeal process beyond what the company offers internally – and they profit either way.
We deserve better. If the City of Colwood allows private parking enforcement, there should be standards for fairness, signage, grace periods, and accessibility. These systems currently punish, deceive, and exclude, especially those who are less tech-savvy.
Please help bring attention to this issue before more honest people are hit with unfair fees.
I will no longer give my business to this area. I have been treated better by Victoria City Hall and Robbins Parking.
Carolin Crawford Chicorelli
Metchosin
