Civilians writing parking tickets? (Austin, Howe: for sale, taxis, live in)

[MasterOfPuppets]

Yesterday when I stopped my motorcycle in a handicapped spot, remaining on the bike with motor on but waiting for my girlfriend to emerge from the store with a quick purchase, some old guy with apparently nothing better to do threatened to write me a $500 ticket. He said he was not an officer but was authorized to do so as a pvt citizen, by what authority I do not know. Was he BSing me or does some kind of citizen parking maid program exist?

Now I know I shouldn't be parking in handicapped. However, I had the motor on for a 30 second stop and would've moved the second someone needed the spot. Still not allowed, I agree, but c'mon, we don't live in Nazi Germany...I reluctantly moved because it wasn't worth a $500 gamble, but I'd like to know whether his claim is legit so I can tell him to F himself next time.

[TexasHorseLady]

Never heard of such a thing.

However, I did once have a few pads of "parking tickets" made up that were slightly humorous for folks that did things like park in a handicapped parking space, use two parking spaces, etc., but the only "fine" involved was the curse, "May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits".

I used a few of them.

By the way, how does the person in need of the handicapped spot that is occupied by a person on a motorcycle know that the person in question, who is parking in a handicapped spot, will move immediately if they (the legitimately handicapped person) needed the spot?

[MasterOfPuppets]

Originally Posted by TexasHorseLady

Never heard of such a thing.

However, I did once have a few pads of "parking tickets" made up that were slightly humorous for folks that did things like park in a handicapped parking space, use two parking spaces, etc., but the only "fine" involved was the curse, "May the fleas of a thousand camels infest your armpits".

I used a few of them.

By the way, how does the person in need of the handicapped spot that is occupied by a person on a motorcycle know that the person in question, who is parking in a handicapped spot, will move immediately if they (the legitimately handicapped person) needed the spot?

With all due respect, lady, people like you need to mind your own business and let the police do their jobs. You must have an astonishing amount of free time on your hands.

[Jennibc]

Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets

With all due respect, lady, people like you need to mind your own business and let the police do their jobs. You must have an astonishing amount of free time on your hands.

I'm with THL on this. It became her business when you posted something like this on a public forum. She's right, how does someone know you're ready to move? You sound a bit entitled to feel like you can illegally park because you keep your motor running. That assessment is further bolstered when someone asks a question to make you think about others you tell her to mind her own business. Unfortunately, we have to share the world with self-centered people so their actions are our business when they affect us. For all you know THL may have a spouse or a parent she taxis around that requires handicapped parking.

[Trainwreck20]

Some years ago, the city of Austin did some kind of program where volunteers could do SOMETHING (not sure it was an actual ticket or not). Not sure if it was one time or still in effect.

[TexasHorseLady]

Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets

With all due respect, lady, people like you need to mind your own business and let the police do their jobs. You must have an astonishing amount of free time on your hands.

Bwaahaahaaahaaa! (The idea of a lot of free time on my hands.)

Actually, it takes precious little time to notice bad parking and to put a slip of paper under the windshield. Seconds more than it takes to walk past, in fact. Considerably less than it takes for a handicapped person to stop the vehicle, roll down the window, ask a person parked on a motorcycle in the handicapped parking space if they are truly handicapped or if they would mind vacating the space, back up to let you exit, and negotiate into the parking space (all the while blocking traffic of other drivers behind them), all of which you are assuming it would be entirely appropriate to expect them to do so that you can park in a place close to where you're waiting for your girlfriend. Assuming, of course, that they could read your mind and know that you would be amenable to them asking you to move.

Didn't even have to take the time to design the "tickets" or think up the idea, by the way - someone else designed them and, when asked, gave me permission to copy them (and gave me an original to make copies of). Also takes less time than calling the police to report such parking so they can "do their job", as you say.

[CptnRn]

Yes it is legal, some Austin citizens have been authorized to write tickets at spots like that where there are frequently reoccurring violations. Ex-Council Member Jackie Goodman was one who frequently wrote tickets on vehicles blocking the handicapped parking in front of the old City Council Chambers. She told me that APD could authorize private citizens where there was a need.

[CptnRn]

LOL Just noticed there are several for sale on eBay. This one is free.



Parking Tickets | TicketStumbler.com

[MasterOfPuppets]

Originally Posted by CptnRn

Yes it is legal, some Austin citizens have been authorized to write tickets at spots like that where there are frequently reoccurring violations.

An employed meter maid or entry-level cop writing tickets may not like to but needs a paycheck.

But anyone who volunteers issuing tickets without pay is a total loser with no life and has SERIOUS self-esteem issues. Its just about the lamest thing I can imagine.

Those issuing the joke tickets are no different. I guess you find mean-spirited people everywhere.

[CptnRn]

Originally Posted by MasterOfPuppets

An employed meter maid or entry-level cop writing tickets may not like to but needs a paycheck.

But anyone who volunteers issuing tickets without pay is a total loser with no life and has SERIOUS self-esteem issues. Its just about the lamest thing I can imagine.

Those issuing the joke tickets are no different. I guess you find mean-spirited people everywhere.

I think you just proved your point.