March 30, 1999

TO:Corporate Services Committee

FROM:Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer

RE:"LOOKALIKE" TICKETS ISSUED ON PRIVATE PROPERTY

Purpose:

To respond to a request from the Corporate Services Committee that the Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer report on the "lookalike" tickets which are being issued on private property by an organization(s) other than the Parking Enforcement Unit, Toronto Police Service.

Financial Implications:

Not applicable.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that this report be received for information.

Discussion:

Occasionally, the Parking Tag Operations Unit of Finance receives payments and/or complaints from the public related to "lookalike" tickets. These "lookalikes" are similar in colour and appearance to the official Parking Infraction Notice issued under the authority of the Parking Enforcement Unit of the Toronto Police Service.

In most instances, the lookalike tickets are invoices for parking on private property without permission. In all cases, the "tickets" or photocopies of them are forwarded to the Legal Division for review and comments. As well, the Parking Enforcement Unit investigates the issuance of the "tickets". If, after investigation and review, it is felt that the circumstances surrounding the issuance of the "tickets" are not legal, then further action is taken, up to and including criminal charges being laid.

Conclusion:

Less than 25 "lookalike" tickets are brought to the attention of Parking Tag Operations and Parking Enforcement staff each year. Each situation is reviewed and investigated by Legal and Toronto Police Services. Should the number of "lookalikes" increase, the process will be reviewed and modified as required.

Contact:

Bryan Kerr

Manager, Provincial and Parking Offences

392-5880

W. A. Liczyk

Chief Financial Officer

& Treasurer