Editor:
This is a cautionary tale for anyone using parts of the above-ground parking at Metrotown: some of the prime spots are no longer free.
I found this out the hard way the other day when I parked in a lot between the old Sears store and Chapters only to come out and find a $50 ticket on my car from Westpark.
Only then did I see the signs that warn motorists to use a machine to register their license plate for two hours of free parking. Beyond two hours and you must pay. If you don't register your car, you get a ticket. The change apparently occurred in May.
Having used Metrotown parking lots for free for more than 20 years, I had become accustomed to not having to check for pay parking signs.
I'm not looking for any sympathy: I should have been more aware of my surroundings. And Westpark kindly cancelled the ticket after I explained I was not aware of the change in policy.
But other shoppers, beware: The above-ground lots around the old Sears store and east of Chapters are now pay lots.
David Lang, New Westminster
