A NEW parking system has left drivers furious as they’re slapped with tickets costing $75 instead of the former charge of $50.
The entire town of Brattleboro, Vermont, got rid of parking meters and increased fines in an attempt to make parking more self-reliant for drivers.
Google MapsA new parking system is in place in Brattleboro, Vermont[/caption] GettyDrivers in Brattleboro are now slapped with $75 tickets instead of $50 for parking in clear loading zones (stock image)[/caption]However, the changes have left residents angry and confused, bringing complaints to their government as well as local stores.
Red Durkin, the owner of a local bookstore called Everyone’s Books, said his customers have been vocal about their distaste for the new regulations.
“We’ve heard nothing but complaints,” Durkin told Brattleboro newspaper The Commons.
“People are trying to comply, but it’s not very clear.”
Brattleboro replaced 147 parking meters with nine centralized kiosks for drivers to pay their fares with coins or through an app or texting.
Durkin said drivers have also been frustrated with the new system’s requirement of entering a license plate number – along with a newly introduced parking fee on Sundays.
“I’ve started parking down the road and walking,” said Ann Zimmerman, who works at Everyone’s Books.
“One of the perks of working Sundays was not having to pay to park.”
The city has also established clear loading zones throughout the town, which is where people can face $75 citations.
Drivers are hit with a fine when they park in the spots, marked with green paint lining, between 8 am and 2 pm.
As the cost has now risen by $25, officials say they’re open to feedback if the new rules aren’t clear enough.
“If we find that we’re issuing a lot of additional tickets for the loading zone, then maybe we look for a way to make that sign a little bigger,” Assistant Town Manager Patrick Moreland told The Commons.
The new parking kiosks have also sparked confusion as drivers aren’t sure how to prove that they’ve paid after they park.
“Customers aren’t sure if they’re supposed to get a paper voucher to prove they’ve paid,” Greg Worden, co-owner of Vermont Artisan Designs and Kitchen Sync, said.
How to fight a parking ticket
You can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are made
Like any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.
Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket.
Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid. Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too. Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid. Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees. When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument: “I didn’t know the law.” “I was on my way to move my car.” “I can’t afford this ticket.” “I’ve been doing this for years.” “I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.” Contact a lawyer. If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations.Source: Reader’s Digest
“And they don’t know how much time they have left on their parking.”
Worden added that the new kiosks also take more time for the customers to use.
“By the time they finish, a line has formed behind them,” he said.
However, using the systems’ app seems to be an easier experience and allows drivers to see how much time they have left at their spot.
The system’s changes and increased fines aim to recover a deficit in Brattleboro’s parking fund, which is supported by property taxes.
City officials haven’t responded to The U.S. Sun’s request for comment.
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