Uninsured parked car results in big fine for Barrhead woman

[Editor's note: In the initial publication of the story, the accused's name was incomplete. Her complete name has now been added]

BARRHEAD - Leaving an uninsured vehicle on a residential road netted a hefty fine for a Barrhead woman.

On Nov. 12, Justice Carrie-Ann Downey handed a $6,000 fine after she pleaded guilty to having an uninsured vehicle on a highway.

Cheryl Lynn Hiemstra will have two years to pay the fine. If she does not, she risks a potential 60-day incarceration.

Provincial traffic prosecutor R. Rees said the charge arose from an incident on Feb. 27, 2021, when authorities found a motor vehicle parked without proper insurance on a Town of Barrhead residential street.

She noted that Hiemstra had a similar conviction in 2020, and as such, the minimum fine the Crown could impose under Alberta's Traffic Safety Act was $6,000.

Justice Downey noted that $6,000 is "a lot of money" and asked Hiemstra if she was employed.

Hiemstra replied she was between jobs.

Justice Downey suggested that Hiemstra try to make regular payments on the amount.

She added that while it is not guaranteed, if, at the end of the two years, Hiemstra needed more time, by demonstrating she was trying to meet her obligation, the court would more likely grant an extension.

Justice Downey also suggested that she could potentially pay off at least a portion of her debt by performing community service through the Alberta Fine Options program.

Barry Kerton, TownandCountryToday.com