Meter Maid

Has someone ever gotten really violent with you or threatened you in a way that made you feel unsafe, like they were going to find your home? So much so that you were afraid for your life? What did you do afterwards? Did it stay with you?

Asked by Axlrose13 over 12 years ago

I think a similar question has been asked before. I haven't dealt with anyone physically violent before, but I deal with a lot of verbally abusive people. I can deal with sly remarks and swearing, but when people say things like "you should be shot" that really sticks with me. It's especially chilling when someone I haven't even ticketed feels the need to tell me that I don't deserve to live, or that something should happen to my family. I don't know if they are saying it for a reaction, but some people just take it too far.

There's not much you can really do afterward. If I felt like I was in danger I would call for a police officer to attend, but I've luckily never been in that type of situation. It's hard for it not to stick with you, at least at first. I guess you just get used to it.

Are you paid by the amount of tickets you issue (similar to commission) or is the revenue pooled and split up equally or according to seniority? BTW, so many people park illegally on my street. I truly appreciate the job you do!

Asked by Dog crazy almost 13 years ago

It's nice to hear that we can be appreciated! We are paid a salary. The number of tickets we write does not affect the wage we are paid, and we are definitely not given commission. No matter how long you have been on the job, every Parking Enforcement Officer is paid the same salary. Those in supervisory positions get a slightly higher salary.

I got a ticket the other day in Toronto. (Maybe it was written by you) Do you have any tips to fight it off?

Asked by FridayLover almost 13 years ago

Everyone gets a parking ticket somewhere down the line, I've been there myself. The real question you should be asking is "is it worth it to fight this ticket?" You have to consider whether or not this ticket was justified, the amount of the fine itself, and if its worth it to take a day off work or send someone on your behalf to fight it for you. If the ticket was unjustified by all means fight it - it's about the principle of it. Just know that parking fines are absolute liability fines - this means if your car was there you are essentially guilty. Not guilty only means you weren't there at all or there was a mistake. If you were 5 minutes late, the signs were confusing, you only parked there for a minute, or you were getting your sick grandmother from the hospital you are still guilty. You just state that you are guilty with an explanation and hope that by pleading guilty you will get a reduced fine. If the ticket is less than 40 bucks, and it was justified it may not be worth it. Even if you were to plead guilty and get a lesser fine your looking at paying half of the set fine, missing wages from work and paying for more parking. If it's more than 60 bucks it may be worth the time, especially when you are looking at offences for fire hydrants and fines for parking in disabled spaces. It's hard to for me to give specific tips for you to fight a ticket without knowing the actual circumstances of it. My suggestion is that you can afford to take the time of work or send someone on your behalf to fight the ticket, do it. If not, it might just be easier to pay the fine. If someone does go on your behalf, make sure you understand that you can only send someone to plead guilty on your behalf or to get an adjournment so you can appear at a later date. If your ticket was due to a broken meter or machine, or the fact that you paid and had the receipt flip over you can always use the online dispute process I mentioned in an earlier post and deal with it by following the directions in this link: http://www.toronto.ca/pay-toronto-tickets/pdf/dispute_application.pdf

what time do you go on duty

Asked by Michael over 12 years ago

Parking Enforcement Officers have a set schedule. Some work monday to friday and work the same hours every day. Others work shift work which includes a variety of shifts including days, evenings and weekends. Each shift is worked for 7 straight days followed by a set amount of days off and then the next type of shift begins for another 7 days, and so on. No matter what time of day, there are always PEOs patrolling the city streets.

Hi I was wondering what the educational prerequisites are to become a meter maid ? Is a high school diploma or education required ? Or can pretty much anyone apply for the job ?
Thank you

Asked by Newbie about 10 years ago

What are the duties and responsibilities of your position? What are the skills and abilities required of successful applicant?

Asked by ash about 10 years ago

what Experience, education, and training is required?, desirable personality traits, general working conditions, and lastly most and least enjoyable aspects of the job

Asked by ash about 10 years ago