6 days Ago By Freya Parsons
DRIVERS have had their parking fees cut in half with an electronic device as a new “tier” system is introduced.The set-up was introduced two years ago but new signs advertising the scheme are being installed this week.GettyNashville has introduced a new cheaper street parking program[/caption]AlamyDrivers can park in some areas for one dollar per hour[/caption]Nashville’s street parking program uses a ParkSmart system which allows people to park for longer and cheaper than previously.
Residents can now park up to 10-hours at a time, scrapping the previous three-hour limit, and in some areas, it only costs one dollar per hour. Student driver Jake Roberts said the new tech gives him the freedom to get to the shops and believes it’ll be a good way to get people into the city center.He told WSMV: “Most of the time I have to park really far away and then walk downtown because I can’t really afford to park downtown as a student.
”With an influx of car owners in the area who couldn’t previously afford it, he thinks local industries will benefit from the change.He continued: “Being able to incentivize people to go out and enjoy all the different shops and local industries to support Nashville better is, I think, a great idea.”All drivers need to do to park correctly is ensure they give the kiosk their license plate number.
Alternatively, the parking can be paid on your phone to avoid a ticket. Nashville detailed the “Park Smart Phase 2” and explained that there are multi-space pay stations throughout the Central Parking District (CPD) to create a better turnover of vehicles.The website states: “Beginning Monday, April 7, NDOT will introduce new parking rates, parking limits, and identified parking zones.
Economy zones will be added in some areas to provide more affordable rates. “Enforcement hours will not change.“In the CPD, you can park for up to two hours for $2 or three to four hours for $3.
You can also park for five hours or more, with 10 being the maximum, for just $4. If a driver needs to park in a paid zone for longer than 10 hours, they’re able to move their car from the parking bay for half an hour and then return for an entirely new session.Over in New York however, a group of drivers were less impressed with their new parking regulations.
A group of hospital workers were up in arms last month after being forced to fork out $600 to park at their place of work.Employees say they shouldn’t have to pay to use a car park and that enough is enough – with the hospital owners even looking to increase parking fees.Surgical trauma ICU nurse and union leader Amy Lee Pacholk told News 12 that she currently pays $16.
24 each month to park in the lot adjacent to the hospital.But instead of rectifying that, the hospital now wants to increase the amount to $50 per month.Their response is the offer of a free lot for employees – that’s located nowhere near the hospital.
The new parking bays are situated across campus and require a shuttle to transport people back and forth to the lot.Workers have since been forced to rally against the new charges, saying enough is enoughHow to fight a parking ticketYou can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are madeLike any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage. However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.
Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket. Carefully read the ticket.
Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid. Take photos.
Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case. Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible.
Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too.Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket. If not listed, the ticket is not valid.
Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal. Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees.
When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument:“I didn’t know the law.”“I was on my way to move my car.”“I can’t afford this ticket.
”“I’ve been doing this for years.”“I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.”Contact a lawyer.
If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations. Source: Reader’s Digest.
