Sometimes it doesn’t pay dividends trying your best to be responsible. Last Friday I drove to a friends house for a few late drinks, and being in a very responsible mood decided to leave the car overnight outside on the street, and pay for the next mornings parking in advance (as one can do most of the time). When I was leaving (about 4am), I went to the parking meter to pay for a few hours in advance - I think Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council start charging from 8am or so for parking in Dun Laoghaire on Saturdays. Alas, the meter gave me an error, and wouldn’t issue me with a ticket. I’d no idea where the next meter was – it was dark and I was tipsy – so I thought i’d leave it and figured they’d realise the meter was broken. It was, after all, right beside my car.
Imagine my surprise the next morning when I arrived to pick up my car and was greeted with a wonderful €40 parking fine. That goes up to €60 after 28 days, and after that – if I don’t pay – i’ll get a summons.
So, what are Dun Laoghaire Rathdown County Council trying to say to responsible drivers who don’t wish to drink and drive? If they keep dishing out tickets like mine, the only message they’re putting across is “ah sure just chance it with the car when you’ve had a few – sure you might end up in court anyway!”
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
one word…
Appeal.
They don’t tell you on the ticket that there’s an appeals procedure. But there is. Just write a letter explaining the case. Can’t hurt.
Your CommentsDid you appeal Richard? I reckon you’ve 2 chances of your appeal being upheld ! This is the worst council to deal with and they’re simply only interested in your MONEY!!! It’s 2euro an hour in Blackrock up to 7pm inc. Saturdays and that’s just complete overkill… They should be rewarding you for being responsible but unfortunately their blinkered vision doesn’t see any revenue in rewarding you…they want to screw you for every last cent…believe me!!
Sorry, last comment was addressed to Hugh, not Richard…