‘I Was Sitting in the Car with My Two Dogs’: Parking Ticket Appeals

The following written appeals were filed recently by ticketed motorists. The New Canaan Parking Commission will adjudicate the appeals.

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“I stoped by Dunkin to pick up my son. I never left my car. I was in a wrong parking for 2 min. I could not stop on the road because I would block the traffic and it was not safe.”

—$30 for no parking zone on Elm Street, at 10:04 a.m. on Oct. 6 (New Canaan resident)

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“I hope all is well. My husband I and I were just in New Canaan to return one item at Taylor’s Luggage on the corner of elm. He parked the car on the right hadn’t corner of the street where there is a handicapped spot. I was sitting in the car with my two dogs and the hazards on. We were parked there for all of about 45 seconds and within that timeframe the parking cop wrote a ticket from behind the car. Immediately when I saw her I got out of the car and she stated she didn’t see me in the car, there was nothing she could do because the ticket was already written and I should appeal the ticket. I am hoping someone could be graceful and forgive this mistake of a ticket for $150. It would be greatly appreciated… I also have the time that the ticket was written and the time that the transaction in the store was complete via receipt. The parking cops ticket for 14:02 and the store receipt was printed at 14:01.”

—$150 for handicapped zone, at 2:01 p.m. on Sept. 3 (Norwalk resident)

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“I received a parking ticket on September 21st, stating that I was parked no parking zone when I was just little over the line. I am a new Uber Eat driver in town and I had my flashing light on I was just picking up the food from the restaurant across the street at Chings Table. This is the first parking ticket that I ever received because I am very careful to obey parking regulations. Please consider to waive this ticket as one time courtesy as I am trying to make living by working for Uber Eat and I cannot afford to pay for this ticket.”

—$30 for no parking zone on Main Street, at 1:58 p.m. on Sept. 21 (Norwalk resident)

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“I parked on Elm Street just moments prior to a meeting at 1:00 pm. The time indicated on the ticket is 2:03 pm (14:03). Thank you for your consideration.”

— (Ansonia resident)

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“I am writing to appeal a parking ticket that I received on Sept. 9, 2020 for parking in a Handicapped zone in front of Starbucks on Main & Park Street. I am currently unemployed and experiencing financial stress and ask for forbearance on the ticket fine of $150.00. To my defense, the vehicle was idle for a brief moment while me and my passenger was looking for address information when a traffic officer came from behind and snapped a picture and issued me a ticket without so much as summoning me to move or given due-process. As picture was taken of me standing by my vehicle with instructions to appeal the matter directly with the parking department. I am grateful for the Town of New Canaan Parking Department attention to this matter and for any relief that I offered.”

—$150 for handicapped zone on Park Street, at 9:22 a.m. on Sept. 9 (Stamford resident)

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“Hi, I am currently working on 96 Main St. and stop outside to drop off a small door in the second floor Nutra Chem. I dont think I should be fine. Please consider this.”

—$30 for landing zone on Main Street, at 10:13 a.m. on Oct. 6 

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“I’m sorry I didn’t realize I was in violation as you can see by enclosed picture. Thank you for your understanding.”

—$25 for overtime parking on Forest Street, at 2:45 p.m. on Aug. 31 (Wellington, Fla. resident)

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“I have a business at 64 Main Street. I had my SUV in the loading zone, with turn open & hazard lights on. I want to my store to get boxes for 2 minutes and had a ticket. I thought it was loading zone for local business and should not have received a ticket.”

—$30 for loading zone on Main Street, at 10 a.m. on Oct. 2 (New Canaan resident)