Dear Editor,

I was dropping my son off at the BC Biomed Lab office in Langley, and since there were no parking spots available, drove around the lot a few times, hoping an available spot would become available.

After repeatedly driving in circles, I thought I would back into one of two open handicapped spots and wait there until a spot became available. I did not leave my vehicle, and never intended to take a handicapped spot, and was ready to exit on a moment's notice.

After a few minutes, a bylaw employee came by and started to take pictures of me through my front windshield. I was a little taken aback and asked her what she was doing, since I wasn't "parked" but rather waiting for an open parking spot. She did not respond and kept taking my picture.

I tried to reason with her, but she barely responded, except to say I was in violation.

I was pretty incensed that she used no discretion, didn't tell me to move before issuing me a violation.

I never did receive a ticket, and off she went with little regard to the situation.

Of course, I left the area right after, and found an open spot and collected my son some five minutes later.

On Nov. 30 I received a Bylaw Violation Warning telling me I had to pay $100, as no notice of dispute had been received.

I called the number on the notice and was summarily told it was too late to dispute, and I should have contacted them earlier if I wanted to dispute the violation.

As it seemed I had no options left, I suggested I would call the local newspapers, and was immediately told she would definitely do nothing to assist my case if that was my attitude.

Is this really how a resident of Langley should be treated? Is it just a cash grab? Is there no discretion and couldn't she have asked me to move immediately before issuing a violation? It all seems very heavy-handed and unfair. I'm a law abiding citizen and this treatment is unfair.

In hindsight, I should have looked around the area for a different parking option, but I was prepared to leave the handicapped spot in a moment's notice, should a handicapped driver need it.

David Hamilton, Langley