Tickets

[Mitchell3]

I was going to rant about this ticket I got last week, but figured while doing so I'd put forward the idea of a single thread for tickets? I've seen them quite frequently. For both ranting and questioning peoples chances of fighting and whatever .

Anyway, with my story.. Last week first week back to classes I received a parking ticket for parking in an illegal spot or in the tickets terms, parked on private property. First off let me say that where I actually parked was on asphalt and the spot I chose should actually be a spot, but there are no lines there. People park there daily to give you an idea. But I don't want to give the wrong idea of me that I'm the sort of ignorant person that parks my car where ever because I'm special. I would have parked in a spot had there actually been one, which is were I have the problem. If it were for that alone I'd say I took a risk and got caught and pay $25.

The college has several lots, which each have their own colour permit. You can only park in your coloured lot. My lot is ALWAYS way oversold. Last year was bad because of the construction, they would cover up spots with their equipment. I parked in a few questionable spots lol but never received a ticket. So this year I thought hopefully with the construction done there will be more parking, which there is. Some how this year its even worse to find a spot. Most of my classes start late morning or early afternoon, but if you don't arrive before 9:30 its full. usually starts clearing out around 2-3. Yes people leave, but there is more people coming than going, so usually people beat you to it. So you do laps around the lot, passing the same cars driving around 12 or so times. Finally spot someone whos leaving, usually oblivious to you being there and just sit there in their car.

The fact is, I paid around $400 for parking for a year and $3600 in tuition a year. Where is my $25 for the parking spot you didnt provide me? Wheres the $25 for the 15 min missed in class today--which adds up quick. Yet they give me a $25 ticket. To give you an idea how bad it gets, this fall, I arrived at school 45 min early. I was actually late for class because I could not get a spot. Anyway thats my rant. I'll probably just pay it. It just frustrates me that if I pay it, I still wont find parking tomorrow, if I fight it, still no parking -- i just saved $25 but my time is worth more than that. We pay money for a service were not receiving. So I'm sorry I parked on your private property, but its either a stupid $25 ticket or 25 min searching for a spot for a class I paid for.

[greaves82]

I totally understand where your coming from. Its never happened to me yet, but that might be because theres more parking spaces then there is students driver.

As for your fee's, thats pretty cheap. I can either pay by the hour ($1/hr) or get a parking permit $300 a semester ($600 for two semesters). Parking tickets are usually around the $40 range

[Mitchell3]

I totally understand where your coming from. Its never happened to me yet, but that might be because theres more parking spaces then there is students driver.

As for your fee's, thats pretty cheap. I can either pay by the hour ($1/hr) or get a parking permit $300 a semester ($600 for two semesters). Parking tickets are usually around the $40 range

I'm grateful for that then! Perhaps my benefit to living in a smaller town.

I'm still awaiting the time theres no parking during an exam..

[Hoodzy]

Universities make a KILLLING on parking.. The u of a alone made I think around 1-2million in one year JUST IN TICKETS.. that isn't including the actual money they make from people who pay for parking which averages 80-120 dollars a month. Not to mention all the suckers who pay 10 dollars a day.

[peterm15]

I took my old car off the road and moved around the corner from my school. It cost me less. By the time I paid $10 a day + gas and insurance. It cost me $500 less a month to move. Plus I rolled my ass out of bed at 745 for class at 8

[ElectroJay]

Damn, that sucks how you pay $400 in parking but can't find spots. The school should really limit how many of these annual premiums are sold.

[Hyperion]

Ouch.
Parking at my school is $5. My friends pay it daily, but call me stupid when I drop money into modding my car.
(Btw, I park at the subdivision across the street lol). Thankfully, no one listens to me, or can't be bothered to walk an extra 3 minutes to save $5 a day or I'd have no spots left lol.

[Mitchell3]

I wish I had the option of walking. id be saving so much money.

Regarding the overselling, if I'm not mistaken, its only our blue lot thats the one that gets oversold. The other lots are good afaik.. although when driving by the appear full.. The one that surely would have parking would add much more time in walking each day as it would finding a spot in the current lot lol.

And there also isn't even an option to park outside of the school lots either. nearest place is a good walk, and they give tickets/tow just as much if not more more than the school. Make a deal with one of the home owners there to park my car in their driveway

[zzz3]

took me a few years to learn where to park downtown for school. after a couple of hundred dollars in parking tickets, and a few tows - i now pay $0

if only i could figure out how to graduate LOL...

[n00bMeiSter]

The problem is: if you don't fight it and make a stand things won't change. They just assume that there's no parking issues. It may take more than 25 minutes to fight, but isn't that worth it if it means not being 15 mins late (or more) every day, and if it means you're no longer getting $25 tickets all the time? Plus, if there's no parking, then either get your money back, or make them switch you to a lot that does have parking. And if it means walking a little further every day, just arrive a little earlier, and suck it up and walk. Besides, the exercise and fresh air is good for you.

[peterm15]

I'm assuming the other lots cost more. And depending on the parking contract they most likely have it worded as a first come first serve basis. They are not guaranteeing you a spot. Just entrance into the lot and immunity from tickets while parked in that lot.

Having gone through fights with colleges on numerous situations it's a good luck situation. Most of the time they have their asses covered.

My suggestion is to show up early to get yourself a spot and use the time to study.

[PCLoadLetter]

Try leaving a note on your dash if you have to park in a questionable spot. It's worth a shot but probably won't do much.

[Mitchell3]

Perhaps I'll fight it, first I want to see if I can find the contract or what ever I filled out to see what it says about parking. If I can find it and it looks favorable in my odds I might go through with it, for other students sake as well. Im certainly not the only person pissed off about the parking.

And yeah maybe a note would have persuaded him not to, but the car right next to me got one too so its hard to write one for one person and not the other.