Parking ticket question

[Regulator75]

I got ticketed while waiting for the wife to get off work.
It's downtown, part of the new park plus system blocks.

I was in the vehicle and it was running (sue me, it was cold ).
Waiting 3-5 minutes MAX before picking her up. You can clearly see me in the photo.

So with this new parking system, how the hell are we supposed to pickup people? Do they actually expect us to pay for 3 minutes? I would of moved the car if asked too, however there were many spots in front and behind.

I don't get it, seems like a cash cow to me.

I miss the old system, I'll take the meter maids over those robo-vans any day.

I don't know if it's worth the time and energy to fight it.

[GrrlGoalie33]

I would suggest fighting it. If you don't you are going to have to pay it anyway as Calgary Parking Authority parking tickets are tied to your registration. You wouldn't be able to register next time without paying the ticket.

Since you can clearly see yourself in the ticket they may be willing to waive it.

[ken0042]

Sound to me like you parked, but didn't pay. 5 minutes isn't just a stop; it's parking. If you put a quarter into the machine I think you only get 6 minutes.

It is a ticket for failing to pay for parking, right? As opposed to stopping in a "No Stopping" zone?

[Regulator75]

Originally Posted by ken0042

It is a ticket for failing to pay for parking, right? As opposed to stopping in a "No Stopping" zone?

Failure to pay.

[fredr123]

I always thought it would be fun to challenge this system with the Privacy Commissioner. I realize there are some fundamental differences between how the information is used, but if they can get all uppity about Google mapping Canadian streets then they might also want to have a look at this system too.

[Rathji]

I don't park downtown and I am not sure about the new system you are talking about but couldn't you just claim that you were about to get out pay when they took the picture?

[ken0042]

Originally Posted by Rathji

couldn't you just claim that you were about to get out pay when they took the picture?

I'm pretty sure they would then ask to see your proof of payment; as their computer doesn't show that you did indeed pay.

[urban1]

This is a good question.

What if you just pulled up and stopped and 10 seconds later the robo-van drives around the corner and snaps your cars pic before you have a chance to pay. The system cant tell how long youve been stopped can it? Did the van drive by once or twice?
Try to fight it by saying you jsut got there moments before.

[Barnes]

I thought the car had to pass by twice to issue a ticket.

I also thought that stopping at a meter was different than parking at a meter. I remember this because during the transit strike in 2001, they temporarily removed the ability to sit at a meter.

Something you may want to look into.

[Flames_Gimp]

off topic, just curious, what the hell is the robo-van?

[Regulator75]

It's the parkplus minivan with a bunch of cameras attached to the outside...

You can't miss it.

I call it robo-van due to the zero human interaction involved and that it looks like a wanna be Transformer. It creeps up, takes a picture a speeds away... 1 week later, you owe some $$$.

[maverickeastwood]

throw a bunch of snow and mud on your license plate for next time