‘I Learned How To Drive in Vermont’: Parking Ticket Appeals

Here are excerpts from appeals filed with the New Canaan Parking Bureau by ticketed motorists:

“First off I want to apologize for parking on a crosswalk. I work as an uber delivery driver & finding parking close to restaurants can sometimes be difficult. So I parked right in front of restaurant, but I was literally in there for one minute. I was in and out but the lady gave me a ticket anyways. I know I was wrong but if you can please give me another chance! I will never obstruct a crosswalk again. I really can’t afford to pay this ticket. Uber is my only job at the time and I am a single mother raising 5 children. Once again I am very sorry & I hope that you can find it in your heart to help me out with this ticket. Thank you & God Bless.”

—$75 for obstructing a crosswalk on Main Street, at 3:19 p.m. on Sept. 24 (Norwalk resident)

***

“I was picking up a pizza was gone for a few minutes and received a ticket. From New Haven, got in empty lot and parked just to pick up food. I am a school teacher working as a student teacher and this would be a hard payment for me. Current unpaid internship.”

—$60 for “other” violation at Vine Cottage, at 12 p.m. on Oct. 18 (Derby resident)

***

“The first ticket was issued on 9/3/2019. On this day, I legitimately boarded the train and mistakenly recalled the space number while paying for parking on PaybyPphone ‘PBP’; I paid for space number 242, but had parked in space number 247. Enclosed are a copy of the ticket and a copy of my parking receipt from PBP. The second ticket was issued at 9/6/2019. The remainder of the week I was ‘hyper-sensitive’ as to my parking space number and I distinctly recall paying for this space while I was walking to the train … repeating the number akin to a mantra as I walked. I was shocked when I got back to my car that evening for yet another parking ticket. I paid for space number 246, but had parked in space number 248. Enclosed are a copy of the ticket and a copy of my parking receipt from PBP. So – in short – I had a bad week. The first instance I willingly admit I made a mistake in recollection. In the second instance, I must have misread (or perhaps the space numbers on the pavement are somewhat ‘aged’?) as I was fairly confident that I’d paid the correct space … Clearly, in both instances I made a ‘best effort’ to pay. My execution thereof, unfortunately, was lacking. We all have those weeks.”

—$30 for unpaid space in the Railroad Lot at 11:20 a.m. on Sept. 3 and 11:05 a.m. on Sept. 6 (Wilton resident)

***

“I only missed the parking limit by 3 minutes. There should be a tiny grace period.”

—$25 for overtime parking on Main Street, at 11:03 a.m. on Oct. 23 (Fairfield resident)

***

“I got a flat tire the evening of Sunday 9/15. I had to get into work in the city on Monday and so couldn’t deal with getting the car towed. I had it towed to C+H Auto first thing Tuesday morning to have the tire replaced.”

—$50 and $80 for first and second overtime parking violations, at 12:03 p.m. and 3:17 p.m. on Oct. 16 (New Canaan resident)

***

“I apologize for parking and obstructing a hydrant. I didn’t notice because I was in a state of emergency and had to use the toilet. I am 37 weeks pregnant and have been having many bouts of emergency toilet visits. I used the bathrooms at Organika Kitchen. If you could kindly consider dismissing my ticket I will be so thankful and more careful in the future.”

—$75 for obstructing a hydrant on Main Street, at 2:03 p.m. on Sept. 17 (New Canaan resident)

***

“I had no idea parking on the opposite side of the street was a violation. I learned how to drive in Vermont. It is legal to park on the other side in Vermont.”

—$50 for parking wrong side on Cross Street, at 3 p.m. on Oct. 18 (New Canaan resident)

***

“I was parked on Elm Street because I was taking part in a fundraiser for New Canaan High School Crew which doesn’t get any money from the school. I’ve been part of this team and the fundraisers for 4 years. I was going around the town raising money and helping to set up the tent for the event, and was not able to make it back to my car to move it to another lot. We had permission from the town to fundraise in the area, and I left my parking space at 11:30 at the absolute latest.”

—$25 for overtime parking on Elm Street, at 11:23 a.m. on Sept. 28 (New Canaan resident)

***

“I was making a delivery on Main St. where I thought the sign said I was able to park for 2 hours. The individual that issued the ticket explained to me that there was a fire hydrant. I was not aware. P.S. I also deliver the pay roll for the Town of New Canaan and it’s difficult to find parking at times.”

—$75 for obstructing hydrant on Main Street, at 12:12 p.m. on Oct. 18 (Bronx, N.Y. resident)