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EDMONTON – A 74-year-old Spruce Grove man is refusing to pay a traffic ticket he got Monday afternoon because he says he’s done nothing wrong.

Darwin Loring likes to visit the Tim Hortons near his place. However, the road to the coffee spot is Highway 16A and it doesn’t have a sidewalk. In addition, Loring is in a wheelchair.

Officials have received numerous complaints from drivers about Loring using the highway, some saying it’s a distraction.

On Monday, Loring was given a $543 ticket.

“I said, ‘What’s this for?’ I’m laughing so much. He said, ‘stunting.’ Well I just about fell out of the chair and I said, ‘well I ain’t paying this.'” Tweet This

He argues the highway is the only route to the Tim Hortons.

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The RCMP said they’ve spoken with Loring seven times in the last two months about trying to choose a different and safer route.

“In this case, the charge was laid after numerous attempts to try to have those discussions and avoid that from happening,” said Cpl. Kim Mueller.

The $543 ticket is a set fine under the Traffic Safety Act.

“It’s for anything that’s disrupting or distracting traffic on a highway,” said Mueller, adding it doesn’t matter if it’s a pedestrian or a vehicle.

Loring is refusing to pay the fine and said he’ll seek legal advice.

“I thought he said $147, but now it’s $543. That’s not too cheap.” Tweet This

He feels like he has a right to the road as well and doesn’t understand the drivers’ complaints.

“If they can’t see me, they shouldn’t be driving,” said Loring.

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