So, this morning it was nasty out - pouring rain, all dark and gross out - and the roads were more full than usual getting to the train station. As it happens, the parking garage was also more full, so it took me an extra couple of minutes to drive up farther and get a spot. Wouldn't you know that I was getting to the paybox just as the bells announcing the train starting ringing. No problem - all I had to do was put my money in the little slot and cross the tracks - I had plenty of time to do this before it became dangerous to cross the tracks.
So, I go put my money in the slot, and I guess I hadn't folded the bills very well because they didn't want to go in all the way (it didn't help that they were getting wet either). I jammed them in a little more, but only managed to get them about halfway in before I decided I'd better cross without risking getting hit by the train.
Once at work, I decided I'd call the Palatine parking people and report what happened. I figured that way, just in case someone grabbed my $2 I could probably avoid a ticket today - these Palatine cops are terrible. So, I get on the phone and call the parking number. The person there transfers me to the police station, and the receptionist there transfers me to the office in charge of writing tickets. I explain the situation, gave him my spot #, and get the following response:
Officer: Well, did you try folding the money the way you're supposed to so it would fit in the slot.
Viki: Yes - I guess it didn't work well enough, and it didn't help that it was pouring rain outside.
O: So, if the money isn't there is it your responsibility or is it our responsibility.
V: It's my responsibility, but I was hoping that by calling and being honest about the situation it might help.
O: Ok, I'll check the box.
Now, this pissed me off just a little. I felt like I was being reprimanded like a child, despite the fact that I had called and was trying to be proactive about the situation. I pay for my parking every day and don't park in places I'm not supposed to. You figure that the one day there's a snafu and I try to call and be responsible they'd at least not lecture me about it. Rrrrr. If I do get a ticket I'm going to be really pissed.
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6 comments:
Did you get the name of the person you spoke with in case you do get a ticket... you can then at least let them know you called and spoke with someone. :-) Good luck with no ticket when you get to your car.
Sorry to hear it's gross there today. It's sunny and HOT here.
It's raining there? Oh what that must feel like.
Sorry was distracted by water. Way to go you in being proactive. I am impressed! Maybe it will rain too much to give tickets today?
J
Maybe the ticket writing machine will fall in a puddle and short out and the paper pad will be all wet and his/her pen won't work and his/her pencil isn't sharpened! Yeah that's what I am thinking.
J
They've been kinda snotty with you before when you've called them and tried to do the right thing. I would think about writing a letter to the police chief and city council.
No ticket. :-) Good idea, though, Trey.
Glad that you were ticketless!!
I would have though they would appreciate your proactiveness!!!
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