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.

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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