JJB’s Ramblings

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

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