The other day I returned from an errand and found a hundred dollar ticket on my windshield for parking in a streetside handicapped zone.
Now look. I do NOT make it a point to park in handicapped zones. I think people who knowingly do this are dicks. But in my defense, there were no signs indicating it was a handicapped spot. There were no markings on the street or sidewalk. There was absolutely nothing to indicate that this even WAS a handicapped zone. The only sign in existence in this spot was a 1 hour parking sign.
Obviously i’m confused. I take a short video, some photos and hightail it over to the closest HRM office to discuss contesting the ticket. And I’m informed that the only case I could possibly have is if I had a handicapped pass and it had fallen and wasn’t visible at the time I was ticketed.
I explained that because I was unable to identify the space as being reserved, I had no way of possibly knowing. That the sign was missing and the street had no visible evidence of reserved parking.
I was told “Well when you see this, you have to call 311.”
Astounded, I explained that this was the whole point. How could I know there was a missing sign? I’m not the one being paid to keep an eye on this shit. I’d never parked here before. As far as I could tell, it was a 1 hour parking zone.
—You’ll be hearing from me. A lot. I was hit with the same “You’ll have to call 311 when you don’t see a handicapped sign.”
So you know what HRM? That’s exactly what i’m going to do. Every time i park the car, unless I SEE a handicapped sign, I will be calling you to make sure i’m not parking in a poorly-maintained spot.
This isn’t just a pain in the ass for me, it’s annoying for the handicapped too. How the fuck can they take advantage of spots that are not clearly marked?
This article appears in Feb 6-12, 2014.
Take it to traffic court. The HRM office employees do not have the power to negate tickets. Your only recourse is traffic court. There is where you’ll be able to, in all likelihood, get this ticket voided. This was my experience when surprised by an absurd parking ticket.
You’ll get a summons and then go to court with your photos and let the judge decide. If there were no markings it should be thrown out.
that’s a lot of coin for a ticket, definitely worth a fight
Gotta love bureaucratic logic,”call if you don’t see something you weren’t looking for”.
I call bullshit on you calling 311 even once. If you do call, you’ll realize how much time you’re going to waste on hold and never call again. Pay your ticket like a bitch, it’s going to take more time and effort fighting it than it’s worth. They’re counting on it!!!!
Isn’t there an online method of appealing a parking ticket? Other cities have it.
GV, no, this is Halifax.
Just want t clear something up, tho: HRM employees at the parking ticket office can void parking tickets when deemed appropriate, so take it to them first. “Going to court” would be a last ditch effort.
what a great little revenue producer! hide all signs.
how did the ticketing officer know it was a special spot btw?
From experience, the cunt that works at the “square” HRM office downtown won’t do a damn thing. Take it to court!
OB bring your photo’s too court, nice wide angle ones, show your side of the story …I did & i got off …good luck
Seems OP just loves leaving us salivating at where this was exactly.
You’re not helping any of us by at least spreading the word where this shit-show went down…
Thank the various Gods I only have to work in the HRM