The New Canaan Parking Bureau recently received the following appeals letters from ticketed motorists. The Parking Commission adjudicates appeals.
***
“I parked at the Park Street Lot around noon time because I clearly remembered all the communication on new parking rules said that Park Street Lot allows 3 hour free parking. I did not notice the signs on the side regarding the permit. I checked the website and the map, there is no place on the map nor in the legend mentioning permit requirements. Attached please find the map and the suggestions to avoid future confusion. Thank you for your time and attention.”
— (New Canaan resident)
***
“I am writing to respectfully appeal the parking ticket I recently received. I understand the importance of following local parking regulations and sincerely apologize for my mistake. My understanding was that the lot where I parked had recently been change to free parking (to offset the new parking spots on Elm St.) The information came from a local community facebook group, and unfortunately, it turned out to be incorrect. Because the spot numbers had been painted over I did not question the info I had gotten, since it all seemed to make sense. I realize now that I should have double-checked online as well. I live within walking distance to town and very rarely drive in. I would really appreciate any consdieration you can give in waiving this ticket, as a first time offense.”
— (New Canaan resident)
***
“I pulled in behind the auto leaving the spot. Very high snowbank and with position of my auto had to walk on road to access sidewalk. Never saw hydrant nor a ‘flag’ like the attached – was not looking for such, or I would have noticed. Hydrant totally invisible to me because of snow and now my car blocking view. Unfortunate circumstances but not a scofflaw. 81 years old & law abiding. Attach photos show my parked car relative to snowbank. And typical needed ‘hydrant’ flags for visibility of hydrant in deep snow.”
— $75 for obstructing hydrant on Main Street (Darien resident)
***
“I have been parking on Elm St in New Canaan for 26 years and have never paid for parking. I did not see any indication that the town had installed parkmobile. I know the lot has it, but have never seen it on the street. I parked for 10 minutes and had a ticket when I returned. When I looked I saw a small sign buried in snow banks not visible from a car spot at all. Snow banks obscured any signage indicating paid parking and since it’s new I had no way of knowing.”
—Darien resident
***
“The reason for this letter is to contest a parking violation I received at your railroad station. I departed Sunday 8th of February on a scheduled two-night stay in NYC. As you know, that morning was the coldest day of the year at 0 degrees with a windchill of -5. The reason I mention this is that I have done this before when there was a single overnight in the city and I was able to extend my time until the following day. I tried to do this, and it would not take it. My first assumption, I assumed the city would have waived the fee should I have received one as the machine was not working as I understood it to work. I was not aware of the app and to be honest I wasn’t about to investigate anything in -5 degree weather. I am handicapped and live on a small SSDI check and I don’t do well in the Cold. I would very much like to have this citation waived as I am a first offender, and there were mitigating circumstances.”
—(Wilton resident)