[llampx]

Consider the use of fines in changing private people's behavior. Get a $5 fine for parking in a fire lane? You're probably not going to think twice about it. Get a $500 fine? Or they take a % of your income? You will think hard before parking where you're not supposed to.

[quietbritishjim]

I think parent's point was: a $5 fine for the first time anyone ever parks in a fire lane would be reasonable (not the first ever parking ticket, but the first of that particular type). It may have been obvious already that it's wrong, but now it's been tested in the courts the precendent is much stronger. So long as fines for things violating obvious legal precendent are closer to that $500 mark then that would be enough to stop further offenses (by original party and others).

Like the parent comment, I'm not saying I agree or that this represents the actual situation here.