The following is presented as part of The Columbian’s Opinion content, which offers a point of view in order to provoke thought and debate of civic issues. Opinions represent the viewpoint of the author. Unsigned editorials represent the consensus opinion of The Columbian’s editorial board, which operates independently of the news department.
‘Parking to evade.” If you don’t know what that is, two trips to downtown Vancouver businesses on a given day could cost you a $35 parking ticket. Anecdotal evidence indicates that otherwise law-abiding and enthusiastic customers to Vancouver shops are unfairly ensnared by this arcane parking rule.
The statute defining Vancouver’s Moving (“Parking”) to Evade, VMC 19.12.020(A), states, “It is unlawful for any person to move a vehicle from one parking space to any other parking space for the purpose of evading time limitations on parking.” The rule is subject to certain zones and a “rebuttable presumption” that evasion has occurred, so ticketed drivers can contest the presumption in court. Other cities, such as Bellevue, have this rule or variants of it.
Parking has emerged as a big issue. The city found out just how big when it revealed plans in early 2019 to replace parking along Columbia Street with bike lanes, generating public outcry. The plan has now been deferred until next year.
Building each new parking space would cost the city an estimated $45,000, according to a 2018 study by Dixon Resources. Covering this cost requires taking in an estimated $300 to $400 per month. Each parking space, whether new or existing, has cost and market value.
The days of plentiful, low-cost or even free 20-minute meters are gone. The winds of change, like our Gorge winds, bring both good and bad. Among the good are great quality of life, national accolades and a stunning waterfront. Among the downsides are the rising cost and hassle of parking to shop in Vancouver during peak hours.
Which brings us to “parking to evade.” I contend that two examples in the past several weeks show that in its drive to extract the requisite dollars per parking space, the city may be setting aside its welcoming attitude.
Two friends were snared by “parking to evade” in recent weeks. Both are law-abiding devotees (as I am) of downtown gym Northwest Personal Training.
From Friend No. 1: “I went to a one-hour morning class and parked in a two-hour spot. In the afternoon, I returned to downtown and parked in another two-hour spot for a half-hour training appointment. When I came out, I had a ticket for ‘parking to evade.’ My car had been recorded earlier in the day and, as it was explained, I shouldn’t have come back another time on the same day. I could have gone to court, but I didn’t and paid the ticket.” But Friend No. 1 was “angered” (not her actual expression).
Friend No. 2 fell into the same trap when she patronized two businesses on the same day. She attended her morning gym class, while parking at the two-hour lot at Evergreen and Broadway. Later in the day, she was back downtown to visit her bank. After searching for an on-street parking space without success, she returned to the same lot as earlier. When she returned, a parking enforcement official was issuing her a ticket for “parking to evade.” She explained, unsuccessfully. Somehow, authorities knew that her car had been there earlier.
Let the buyer beware, Vancouver shoppers. The city knows where you park and when, but it may not know why. You have to explain that to a judge.
To some patrons of Vancouver businesses, one trip to downtown just isn’t enough. The city is justified in recovering costs, but must also keep customer relations firmly in mind.
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