Yellowknife parking meter violations can't lead to jail, says judge

The City of Yellowknife can no longer have people jailed for parking meter violations.

Under the city's current bylaws, people who fail to put enough coins in the meter can be fined up to $2,000 and jailed for six months.

Local lawyer Jay Bran pleaded guilty to a parking violation, but went to court anyway.

He argued that the city has no authority to include jail sentences as punishment for breaking its bylaws.

In a decision released on Thursday, a judge agreed.

Judge Robert Gorin said the Cities, Towns and Villages Act does not give municipalities the authority to include jail time as punishment for breaking bylaws.