Meter mix-up
Those of you who have to venture into towns or cities are well acquainted with parking meters. Recently I pulled in to a meter that still had 15 minutes on its dial. Since I planned to stay longer than that I deposited enough coinage to allow parking for one hour. The meter brusquely refused to show that I had contributed anything. I left in disgust.
When I came back half an hour later there was a ticket under my windshield wiper. It said I owed $6 if I paid it now or $40 if I waited two weeks.
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I drove down to city hall to protest. I parked by another meter and put in a coin for 15 minutes.
When I got inside I was directed to a line-up in front of the customer service windows. Three young women were providing said customer service.
The people seated in front of them seemed to have problems that required a good deal of explanation.
The meter ticked on.
One customer rose to leave and the young clerk immediately put up a closed sign and departed. In seven minutes I would be eligible for ticket number two. The fellow ahead of me was summoned in and then, finally, I got the call.
When I showed the ticket and said the meter was defective the clerk quickly left and returned with a form. She just wanted the facts, Buster, not an ear-ache from an irate citizen.
Then she said the meter would be tested and I would be informed by mail if I had to cough up six bucks.
Need I continue? I have just written a cheque for $6 and the steam from my ears is fogging the windows.
