A fire hydrant at 393 University Ave. has brought in more parking ticket revenue (since 2008) than any other hydrant in Toronto -- $289,620 on 2,962 violations, according to an August Toronto Star report.
While hydrants are usually located at curbside to facilitate fire-engine access, the one at 393 University Ave. was placed about 20 feet from the curb, in the middle of a sidewalk, and obscured by a tree in a planter about 8 feet long. (Nonetheless, the law's wording treats the hydrant, for illegal-parking and revenue-earning purposes, as if it were curbside.) [Toronto Star, 8-11-2014]
A tad unfair? That's what's known in parking ticket circles as a 'gotcha!'. I think they should put sensors on all fire hydrants that alert drivers to the fact that they could be ticketed if they don't move. Not likely to happen any time soon? Yeah well in the case above, at least the city could have the decency to paint FIRE HYDRANT ZONE in bright yellow on the curb (kerb), don't'cha think? Either way, it would seriously decrease the revenue generated from drivers who figure they'll be in and out before the traffic warden, meter maid or police officer arrives. Believe me, these folks, the dispensers of tickets, have eagle eyes and they know the spots where habitual ticket writing is going to pay off in moola for the city.
Park at a city parking lot and they'll get you that way, too. You ain't going to win...unless you take the bus, train or walk...of course jay walking is another way they'll get you.
See ya, eh!
Bob
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