‘We Do Not Get the Advertiser These Days’: Parking Ticket Appeals

The Parking Commission recently received the following written appeals from motorists ticketed in New Canaan.

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Parking at Vine Cottage — Dec. 22, 2025. BT photo

“Didn’t realize town Hall was open when I parked otherwise would never have parked there @ 7:30 AM. [A parking enforcement officer] saw me park there. She could have yelled and told me no parking, instead I got a ticket.”

—$30 for Town Hall lot parking when not in Town Hall, issued at 7:50 a.m. on Jan. 12

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Parking on South Avenue, Feb. 3, 2026. Credit: Michael Dinan

“I am appealing the ticket because I was at work with a client and unable to get back to my vehicle in time. By 12:40 I returned to get my vehicle for lunch break. Please have the ticket waived. I work at The Whitney Shop in town.”

—$30 for overtime parking on Cherry Street, issued at 12:20 p.m. on Jan. 20 (New Canaan resident)

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Parking in the Playhouse Lot, Feb. 3, 2026. Credit: Michael Dinan

“I parked my car and downloaded the new parking app. I tried to add 2 cc and they said error. I tried many times. I know you have been having issues w/this new app. Please void this ticket. Even a friend tried to help who has the app. I look forward to hearing from you and thank you.”

—$30 for unpaid space on Elm Street, issued at 2:10 p.m. on Jan. 8 

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Parking on South Avenue, Feb. 3, 2026. Credit: Michael Dinan

“I am a former resident of New Canaan and had parked in this area many times over the years under the long-standing two-hour free parking policy. I was unaware that the parking regulations on Elm Street had recently changed, and I did not notice the updated signage at the time I parked. There was no intent to disregard the parking rules, and I would have happily paid for parking had I realized the policy had been updated. I fully understand the importance of complying with town regulations and will be mindful of the changes going forward. Given the recent nature of the change and my prior history of compliance, I respectfully ask if this citation might be considered for dismissal as courtesy.”

—$30 for unpaid space on Elm Street, at 2:10 p.m. on Jan. 20 (Norwalk resident)

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“I am 79 years of age and have lived in New Canaan for over 35 years. I do not get to downtown New Canaan much these days, mostly the Post Office, Acme or Walter Stewart’s. Occasionally I will drive thru town on the way to Davenport Ridge Road. Neither my wife nor I knew about the new parking regulations in town. We do not get the Advertiser these days and did not get any information in any other way. On the occasion of the fine I was a little late for a one-off meeting with Keith Simpson in town, parked and hurried over to his office, not thinking I should check lamp posts for new parking information. I am now, of course, aware of the situation and will naturally follow the regulations from now on—I haven’t in my 35 years had a parking ticket before. So, I ask if I could be excused the fine on this one occasion. Thank you for your consideration.”

— $30 for unpaid space on Elm Street, issued at 12:34 p.m. on Jan. 7 (New Canaan resident)