Case Stories
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
Mr. L received a parking ticket dated December 31, 2007, a day neither he nor his car was in Toronto. He called the city early in 2008 and was told the error would be corrected. In March 2008, he received a notice of conviction, and the parking fine increased from $30 to $46. He called again and was told the error would be corrected.
In 2009, Mr. L went to renew his driver’s license before his March 31 deadline. He was told he had an outstanding fine, now $66, which he had to pay before March 31 or he could not renew his license. He called the city again. Staff agreed to fix the error, but couldn’t commit to doing so before he would lose his license. In mid-March 2009, Mr. L phoned the Ombudsman. Her staff made several calls before finding a staff member who corrected the error by March 31.
Result: Mr. L was able to renew his driver’s license without having to pay the fine he didn’t owe. Finding the right city staff to fix problems can be tough, even for the Ombudsman.
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