What follows are excerpts from parking ticket appeals letters filed recently with the New Canaan Parking Bureau. Where available, we’ve included information on the violation for which these people were cited, in what amount, and where and when the violation occurred. We preserve all capital letters and punctuation as written by the appellant.
The motorist who did this, on Oct. 18, 2016, is appealing the ticket issued for parking on the wrong side of the street.
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“I received a ticket on 10/18/16 for parking on the wrong side. I was not aware that this was the wrong side as the parking spot did not indicate you cannot park both ways. There is also a sign going eastbound on South Avenue directly in front of the parking lot that states not to park on the sidewalk. If you couldn’t park in the eastbound direction, I am not sure why the sign would be facing that way? This is very confusing to drivers and this part of the street has traffic mostly leaving the gas station and into that direction of traffic on South avenue. I have seen many cars parked in this direction in that spot as I have used the gas station. Due to the confusion with the sign I would greatly appreciate it if you can void my parking ticket. I have a clean parking and driving records and I am new to town and I trust you understand the confusion about this sign and would be understanding as a new resident that these signs cause a lot of confusion to parking in town.”
—$50 for parking the wrong side on South Avenue at 12:04 p.m. on Oct. 18
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“Yesterday, I brought ten ladies, two of whom use canes, for a noon guided tour of the Glass House (copy of reservation enclosed) and wanted to personally escort them to the Elm Street Visitors Center so that they would arrive there without falling. Since I did not intend to remain in the lot for more than the few minutes it took to walk with the ladies, I did not put money into the meter, as I have done in the past. I was, there fore, astonished to find this parking ticket on my windshield upon my return after a brief absence. I would like you to consider cancelling this parking fine in the face of my intended good deed. Further, surely you want New Canaan to remain a hospitable town when visitors, such as the ladies and I who are Westport residents, come and visit and take advantage o the town’s numerous resources, such as the Glass House. Please reply immediately so that I am not subject to a $40 fine for not responding within the two week time period.”
—$20 for unpaid space in Park Street lot at 11:31 a.m. on Oct. 20
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“I live in Westport and on Thursday I decided to take a trip to New Canaan to shop, something I haven’t done for many years. I spent about 2.5 hours shopping before I returned to my car and saw the ticket. Unfortunately, I was unaware that there was a two-hour parking limit. I’m sure there must be a sign indicating this, but unfortunately I missed it. I am hoping that this parking ticket can be forgiven this one time. I found so many great stores in town that I’m sure I will be back again soon In the future I will stay under two hours or park where there is longer parking.”
—$20 for overtime parking on Elm Street at 3:20 p.m. on Oct. 6
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“I received this parking ticket while I was in Papyrus Stationery Store purchasing a thank you note for my New Canaan hostess. The receipt is enclosed. While I admire the lovely town and beautiful hanging baskets, I do not think I should be ticketed for parking where the parking sign is completely obscured by one of the baskets. I have enclosed a photo taken from my parking space and you can see that it is impossible to know that there is a short time limit.”
—$20 for overtime parking at Morse Court at 2:56 p.m. on Sept. 16
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“I was parked on Main Street and was moving from there at 11:30 a.m. to Burtis Street at 11:35 a.m., the thing I don’t understand is why do I have a ticket on my windshield that issued at 12:40 p.m.? Since it’s supposed to be a 90 minute parking?”
—$20 for overtime parking on Burtis Avenue at 12:40 p.m. on Sept. 23
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“Parked on curbside Morse Court, signage confusing when going to pay center it says 2-hour parking but there was no # for my spot. Only after speaking to officer and he point out 15 minute parking at end of street. I try to support stores in town if it was clearly written 15 min curbside parking by 2-hour sign it would be understandable.”
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“I am not sure if anything can be done, but I thought it important to clarify that my 17-year-old daughter did pay for her parking on the 12th in New Canaan. She mentioned how the button on the ticket machine was sticky. She tried pressing the 1 but it somehow recorded 4 stead, the button below 1. We have the receipt to prove it, of which is enclosed with the ticket. I have enclosed payment but she did try and pay for her parking.”