On July 25, one of our parishioners suffered a major heart attack while attending the 6:30 Mass. A doctor in attendence recommended calling an ambulance, and one was summoned forthwith. Unfortunately the ambulance was prevented from entering the church property because of the automobiles illegally parked in the clearly marked NO PARKING zones. Critical time was lost in attending to this life threatening situation because some parishioners seem to feel that their convenience overrides compliance with posted regulations.

Aside from the moral implications of the continued disregard for parking regulations, speed limits, and one way postings, there is the issue of parish liability for accidents or obstructions to emergency responders as a result of these abuses. Consultations have therefore been initiated with a local towing service who will tow away any illegally parked vehicle at the owner's expense. Similarly, the RCMP have been asked to ticket any vehicle in the parking lot traveling at more than 10 kph during the school year, as well as ticketing any vehicle entering or leaving the premises in contravention of the clearly marked ENTER and EXIT signs.

Before raising a hue and cry, or claiming these measures to be draconian, please consider how you would feel knowing that a loved one whose life might have been saved by timely intervention died because one of your fellow parishioners considered his or her own convenience more important than the safety and well being of others. NO PARKING zones are not established without reason. Speed limits are not established without reason. Entrances and exits are not specified without reason. Ignorance of the reason does not imply the absence of one.

Since frequent appeals over the course of many years have fallen on deaf ears less tasteful measures than appealing to parishioners' integrity, sense of community pride and mutual care for each other's safety are required. The ticketing and towing of vehicles is not the image one wants for a parish church, but, of course, no ticketing or towing will ever happen if regulations are respected and obeyed.

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David, SA