Ramblings 20 Jun 2007 12:40 pm
Meter fee
I just sent this out to the Boston Parking Department:
City of Boston
PO Box 55800
Boston, MA 02205
To Whom It May Concern:
On 6/15/07 I was issued a parking violation (#558594525) for an expired meter on Newbury St at 7:48pm. I believe that this violation should not have been given as I had taken the appropriate steps to ensure that my meter fee was paid in full to its limit time of 8pm.
I parked at meter 0015 at 5:41pm and purchased two hours of parking time from the machine and placed the sticker (#479143) on my passenger window, assuring me coverage until 7:41. My plans in town we going to keep me occupied for a better part of the evening and I was to attend a performance on Boylston Street that started at 8pm. At 6:55 I returned to my vehicle (the only convenient time before heading to the performance) to purchase the remaining 19 minutes necessary to cover my meter time. Under normal circumstances I would have deposited another 2 quarters into the meter, but as I had to use the multi space machine, I was forced to purchase another sticker (#479154). When it printed, I noticed that it only displayed the expiration time and did not include the amount of time purchased. Not wanting to be issued a ticket, I took extra steps to avoid this by handwriting on the sticker that the 30 min was to cover the remaining meter time and then some. I placed the sticker next to one another on my window and left for the performance.
When I returned to my vehicle, to my dismay I found a citation for $25 for meter fee unpaid. I realize that this may have been an oversight by the ticketing officer (#116) who may not have looked more closely than the latest visible expiration time. I had taken every precautionary step to avoid such a situation and was presented with no reasonable alternative. I believe that the new meters are a good idea for the city of Boston, but feel that situations like this should be considered and an option to for more time added.
In light of the circumstances, I ask that ticket be voided. I appreciate your time in reviewing the matter. Should there be anything further required from me, please let me know.
Sincerely,
J. Justin Bates
CC: Mayor Thomas Menino
Yes, you read that right. I CC’d the Mayor and added this:
I think that these are a fine idea for the city, and enjoyed not having to tote around quarters to continually feed the meter, but I think that a viable soultion should be made as I am positive that I am not the only person who has had issue with this.
Thank you for your time
on 21 Jun 2007 at 9:39 am 1.studly said …
isn’t what you are trying to do there illegal? i think it is considered feeding the meter. as in, you can only legally occupy a spot for 2 consecutive hours, no matter how many coins you pump into a machine
on 22 Jun 2007 at 11:21 am 2.uncle D said …
Hmmmm…”Boston Parking Dept.” They have their own parking dept! And you want your ticket revoked?…Hmmmmmmmm I think Tim Wakefield has a better chance of throwing a 100 mph knuckleball.
on 26 Jun 2007 at 1:31 pm 3.jen said …
not gonna happen but good luck anyhow!!!