Panel data provided by Madison's Canadian Lumber Reporter.

New Way to Deal With By-law Infractions

By Ben Meisner

Residents of six BC communities will be able to resolve disputes over parking tickets and other minor by laws under a new dispute program that diverts cases from the courts and makes justice more accessible. 

Attorney General Wally Opal says dealing with by law disputes at the local level saves time and money for both the taxpayers and local government and according to Opal opens up more courtroom time for more serious offences. 

Under a pilot program begun in North Vancouver , the number of parking tickets disputes dropped by 94%. The length of time for a ticket dispute to be heard and a decision rendered went down by 10%. Municipalities also saw an increase of 4% in fines paid. 

The program will begin in Surrey, Richmond, Coquitlam, Chilliwack, Kent and Hope later this year. Other municipalities have been invited to pick up information on how to start their own system. No one was available to comment on whether this city will become involved in the program but with an increase in revenue in the horizon, can it be far behind ?

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