I HATE PARKING SEVICES

 HERES MY BITCH:

Dear Erin, <?xml:namespace prefix = o ns = "urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" /><o:p></o:p>

 

I apologize for exasperating this topic, and truly wish not to be difficult, however I feel validated in my point in contending that I am only entitled to a fifteen-dollar fine.

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To begin, I am in no way contending that in any way was I justified in parking in the space I was cited in. However as you noted, there are signs that indicated $100 fines and spots within that parking that lot that there are spaces that are not marked with such a sign. As you write, “some [signs] even have additional arrows pointing to either side of the sign to make it clear that the whole row is for patients, as it is difficult to paint stripes on that type of asphalt. “ <o:p></o:p>

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While it can be assumed that it is general knowledge that each of these parking spaces were “considered” citable for the $100 offense, obviously it was not; especially, as I specifically parked in a location without the $100 sign to avoid the offense. <o:p></o:p>

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Now, while this may be a nominal point to Parking and Services, it is a huge matter of importance when negotiating a $100 fine or a $15 fine. As I was exhausted the night before, and felt it unsafe to drive, I weighed my options of parking in the west side of the said lot, where signs indicated towing, or the east side of the lot, indicating fines. As the space I parked in was not marked with a $100 fine, I assumed it was a general UNM lot. I knew should I not wake up in time, I faced the possibility of a “warning” or a $15 dollar fine. Obviously, I had never been cited in that lot before, as I expected a “warning” but when I discovered a $100 fine, I was understandably distraught. <o:p></o:p>

I immediately called the Parking and Services appeals office, in which I left two messages, and when no response was given I moved my car. <o:p></o:p>

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The purpose behind my inflexibility on this matter is one of logic to me. Throughout the University, there are numerous signs that indicate the penalties one may receive for parking in a reserved spot. However, as I’m sure you are aware, the penalties all differ. In the same lot, you can have “Reserved Parking” –monitored only from 7-8pm M-F or “Reserved Parking” –monitored and enforced 24/7, you may have “Patient Parking,” that is only enforced during business hours,  right next to Metered Parking or “Letter lot” parking.  As a University Student, I depend on those signs to indicate to me whether or not my car will be cited or towed should I have to park there. <o:p></o:p>

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Similarly, if I had parked in a “lettered lot” parking space directly across from a “Reserved” Parking Space, I would feel justified in believing that my car would not be towed, and/or cited the $100 fee, the sign indicates, for the exact same reason. The space I would have chosen to park gives no indication that I would be liable for the $100 fine.  <o:p></o:p>

Again, should I not be displaying a permit, again, I would understand that I would be liable for the $15 fine. <o:p></o:p>

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I understand, that a complaint was given and that regardless of how many free spaces were present, I was not a patient for CRS and am citable. Again, I will not contend that I was wrong. My contention is that the signage deemed “sufficient” is unclear; and, had it been clearer, perhaps, I would have walked an extra two blocks to be parked at the metered parking by Z--- and have my metered parking expire, and be liable for the same $15 dollar fine I had prepared myself for. Again, I stayed till 1:30 am studying for a final at this University, I was under an enormous amount of stress, and was extremely tired and felt unsafe to drive. I had every intention of moving my vehicle to not be cited at all, however that was not the case. As when I called appeals immediately-- the very moment I realized my error was out of incomprehension-- I am asking for understanding and leniency. <o:p></o:p>

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Please let me know if there is anything I may do to appeal this further.<o:p></o:p>

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Respectfully,<o:p></o:p>

 

THE ROYAL BITCH

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