New York, NY - It's True, Walking To Muni Meter To Pay For Parking Can Get You A Ticket |
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News Source: NY Daily News By Michael Daly
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Ira Goldberg is a Manhattan courier who has never gotten a ticket that he couldn't dismiss— until this week. He parked his car and in the time it took to walk 1/2 block to the muni-meter, he got a ticket —{Wednesday in Manhattan 3-10-10} New York, NY - Ira Goldberg had heard talk of a new traffic agent ploy, but the rumors still seemed too far-fetched to be true as he parked his Mitsubishi Montero on E.52nd St. off Park Ave. on Monday.
“I said, ‘That’s too outrageous. Nobody would do that,’” Goldberg recalled.
The 54-year-old courier proceeded directly to the nearest muni meter with the care of someone who holds a rare record among New Yorkers who make deliveries for a living.
“I have yet to pay a ticket for 20 years,” he can boast.
In a city desperate for revenue, even he cannot avoid receiving the occasional summons. But he has always fought it with the fervor of the righteous, always prevailing, if not at the initial hearing, then on appeal.
“I never paid tickets because I’m kosher,” he says. “I do things the right way.”
By that he means: “I am very careful how I park. I’m very careful in what I do. I follow the rules very carefully.”
He is always well-prepared in the event he encounters a traffic agent who is not completely versed on the law’s finer points.
“I carry a copy of all the traffic regulations,” Goldberg reported. “And I show them the regulation.”
He was as scrupulously correct as ever on Monday as he paid at the muni meter and turned back toward the Mitsubishi just down the block.
He was then astonished to see the rumors were true: A traffic agent was standing by his vehicle, writing a summons even though he had stepped away for just the necessary moment to pay.
“What are you doing?” Goldberg inquired. “I just bought the meter receipt.”
“I didn’t see you by the car,” the traffic agent replied by Goldberg’s account.
“How can I be by the car and buy the meter receipt at the same time?” Goldberg asked. “Didn’t you look to see if somebody’s over by the meter buying a receipt?”
“I don’t have to look,” the agent said.
Some months before, another agent hit Goldberg with a summons over lettering on his vehicle that was in fact in line with the regulations. He had calmly asked to see a supervisor and the agent gave him a number to call before she strolled away. A supervisor arrived to say there was nothing he could do because the agent was gone.
Now, on Monday, Goldberg decided there was only one way to get a supervisor there while the agent was still present. He made what he terms “a stink,” careful not to curse or threaten.
“You keep yelling at me, I’ll get a supervisor,” the agent said.
“That’s what I want,” Goldberg said.
The agent radioed a report of “an irate motorist,” describing Goldberg’s sputtering as spitting.
“Yeah, I’m irate, all right,” Goldberg said.
Two supervisors arrived, along with a dozen or so other agents.
“I could hear you yelling from 10th Ave.,” a supervisor said.
“That’s why you’re here,” Goldberg replied.
Goldberg had a receipt showing that he had paid at 11:48 a.m. The summons was dated 11:49 a.m., so the agent was clearly filling it out even as he was paying.
“Can’t you imagine my frustration?” Goldberg asked.
“You shouldn’t have been screaming,” the supervisor said. “If you had not been yelling, I probably could have done something for you.”
Goldberg was left with the summons.
“When I don’t get angry, I don’t get anywhere,” he said yesterday. “Well, I got angry, and I still didn’t get anywhere.”
He still has the receipt and figures he will again prevail, keeping his perfect record. He will meanwhile be putting a sign on his dashboard when he goes to pay for parking.
“At muni meter.”
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Read Comments (45) — Post Yours »
1
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:07 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
this is what happens when the iq of those writing the tickets is way way below the dollar amount of the tickets.
these creatures who are 'traffic monitors' are the lowest creatures out there. imagine chossing a career where your purpose and goal in life is to ticket others.
2
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:08 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
These ticket agents are the worst scum on earth. They're the most vile (sub)humans out there.... I've never seen a decent one of them....
3
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:14 PM chaim Says:Report as Inappropriate
I had the exact same story. All he has to do is send copy of muni receipt with letter and summons.
First the city will send settlement offer.
Then will dismiss the summons.
4
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:14 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
The more crazy the City treats its citizens the more the honest and hard working people will leave for good.
5
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:18 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
can someone explain to me why there were a dozen extra idiots available to protect a jerk who is probably guilty of perjury for wrongfully issuing a ticket and then claiming spitting, but the city has no money to keep fire houses open?
8
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:23 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
What a story, yesterday I came out of my house at 7:50 am a traffic agent was behind my car waiting to write a ticket at 7:00 - the city has good fundraisers.
9
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:24 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
i knew this would happen. if you walk 5 feet from your car there is a ticket monster waiting to get you . they pop up like jerk in the box
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Mar 11, 2010 at 05:33 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
It's Bloomberg times and we have yet to see ONE council member stick up for us.
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Mar 11, 2010 at 05:41 PM Daniel Says:Report as Inappropriate
He is lucky the supervisor came. I was told that the supervisor was in Manhattan somewhere and was not available.
Bloomberg has created a police state.
He is creating contempt for Cops. This is terrible.
I saw with my own eyes how an elderly pensioner could not find parking out of her house to unload groceries. She was old and could hardly move. So she doubled parked to unload. They gave her a $140 ticket. So heartless. That is like her weekly pension.
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Mar 11, 2010 at 05:41 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ this is what happens when the iq of those writing the tickets is way way below the dollar amount of the tickets.
these creatures who are 'traffic monitors' are the lowest creatures out there. imagine chossing a career where your purpose and goal in life is to ticket others. ”
At $135 a pop, that's really not saying much.
13
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:43 PM punch Says:Report as Inappropriate
those traffic agents are impossible. we need to put a stop to this. i urte Mr. goldberg to fight them till the end and we'll all support you financialy & morally. just come to BP or Willi and we'll arrange an Appeal after every minyan and i'm sure that people will show their frustration by supporting your cause.
i don't think he'll get too far in city or state court. therefore i encourage him to contact professional attornies to bring this in to federal court. let the whole nation know what the New Yorkers have to put up with.
14
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:43 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
In such cases the city should ve responsible to pay a fine for inconvenience to the person ticketed in flagrant error
15
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:48 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ What a story, yesterday I came out of my house at 7:50 am a traffic agent was behind my car waiting to write a ticket at 7:00 - the city has good fundraisers. ”
I think you mean 8
16
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:50 PM Avi Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I had the exact same story. All he has to do is send copy of muni receipt with letter and summons.
First the city will send settlement offer.
Then will dismiss the summons. ”
No, he did the right thing. Allowing them to get away with it won't fix anything. This is why I have no respect for Authority.
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Mar 11, 2010 at 05:51 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I have one better: The city made us PAY our ticket. Then they took their sweet time and paid us back. It took a year. Simcha Felder's offfice was of no help at all!!! SURPRISE!!!!
18
Mar 11, 2010 at 05:52 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ can someone explain to me why there were a dozen extra idiots available to protect a jerk who is probably guilty of perjury for wrongfully issuing a ticket and then claiming spitting, but the city has no money to keep fire houses open? ”
That's easy. Parking tickets make money, firehouses cost money. So the government puts it's resources in generating revenue rather than attending to the best interests of the governed. The purpose of government is no longer to serve the people, it is the purpose of the people is to serve the government. That my friend is the definition of tyranny.
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Mar 11, 2010 at 05:54 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ The more crazy the City treats its citizens the more the honest and hard working people will leave for good. ”
They will not leave, most of them won't. It's a hing about New Yorkers, they seem to like to be punished and keep coming, or sticj=king around, for more.
20
Mar 11, 2010 at 06:06 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ In such cases the city should ve responsible to pay a fine for inconvenience to the person ticketed in flagrant error ”
and for waste of time.
21
Mar 11, 2010 at 06:13 PM Frustrated Boro Parker Says:Report as Inappropriate
But if someone stops in middle of the street,blocks traffic for 20 minutes or a garbage truck on 50st blocking city busses, putting so many people in traffic 9:00 o'clock in the morning, NO AGENT OR POLICE WILL BE FOUND TO DIRECT TRAFIC. The truth is people are very busy; they have no time fighting what the city coucel is supposed to do for them! Go Greenfeild he is a fighter.(Note: This is my opinion you can disagree.)
22
Mar 11, 2010 at 06:48 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Dont come move to monsey. Were just fine with our empty spaces and no traffic with freindly cops.
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Mar 11, 2010 at 06:31 PM this is a larger trend Says:Report as Inappropriate
when you expand govt and increase their involvment it looks llike this
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Mar 11, 2010 at 06:38 PM Shmuel Says:Report as Inappropriate
Bloomberg 2012
25
Mar 11, 2010 at 07:17 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
My husband rented a car in Manhattan, drove to our Upper West Side neighborhood and parked the car at a meter. He reached over to put the rental agreement in the glove compartment, and by the time he straightened up, five seconds later, a meter maid was writing a ticket.
26
Mar 11, 2010 at 07:18 PM from here to there... Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Dont come move to monsey. Were just fine with our empty spaces and no traffic with freindly cops. ”
empty spaces and no traffic? how about driving in my neighborhood. just about every morning there are 1 or 2 cars parked next to "no parking, stopping or standing" signs.
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Mar 11, 2010 at 07:20 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ That's easy. Parking tickets make money, firehouses cost money. So the government puts it's resources in generating revenue rather than attending to the best interests of the governed. The purpose of government is no longer to serve the people, it is the purpose of the people is to serve the government. That my friend is the definition of tyranny. ”
You got that right!
28
Mar 11, 2010 at 07:30 PM Oy Gevald Says:Report as Inappropriate
I heard a good idea: If you do get a ticket for time expired on your stub, hang around until you see someone else returning to their car and offer them $5.00 for their still-valid stub. You can then dispute your ticket showing a valid Muni-meter receipt.
29
Mar 11, 2010 at 08:07 PM chochon from mah nishtana Says:Report as Inappropriate
Question? What can or can't you say to a traffic cop can you curse 4 letter words call them black n****s can somebody please tell me the legal ramifications because its so frustrating sometimes that I need to curse but I'm always afraid that these vermin will lock me up so if somebody knows the law please post
30
Mar 11, 2010 at 09:13 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ can someone explain to me why there were a dozen extra idiots available to protect a jerk who is probably guilty of perjury for wrongfully issuing a ticket and then claiming spitting, but the city has no money to keep fire houses open? ”
firefighters save lives, noy money. bloomy cares about money -- not life
31
Mar 11, 2010 at 09:15 PM Yankel from BP Says:Report as Inappropriate
I have a better idea, instead of making a chillul hashem, why don't you walk next time ? I am so embarrased seeing traffic cops getting yelled at by heimishe yidden on 13th avenue...
32
Mar 11, 2010 at 09:47 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I was by the Pomegranate last Friday at about 1:00pm a traffic officer in a car triple parks blocking off Coney Island, got out of the car and proceeded to curse (when I said curse I mean curse) me out for not going into oncoming traffic to go around him. They are just out of control!!!
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Mar 11, 2010 at 09:56 PM formally Says:Report as Inappropriate
on one hand we do need them since there are inconsiderate people in the world who have no problem double parking, parking in front of a driveway (this happens to me), and leaving no note. In essence that person is saying you will wait until he is ready to go. Those deserve tickets. Or the guy, who put a garbage can over a fire hydrant, I removed the can. And many other cases.
The real problem is they are idiots, and will give you a ticket for double parked while you are waiting for a parked car to leave.
I not sure if it just a lack of training ( or maybe training) and the hiring of complete idiots
34
Mar 11, 2010 at 10:20 PM that's why I left Says:Report as Inappropriate
I like this guy . happy to have moved to lakewood
35
Mar 11, 2010 at 10:52 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Dont come move to monsey. Were just fine with our empty spaces and no traffic with freindly cops. ”
learn how to spell!!!!
36
Mar 11, 2010 at 11:13 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ on one hand we do need them since there are inconsiderate people in the world who have no problem double parking, parking in front of a driveway (this happens to me), and leaving no note. In essence that person is saying you will wait until he is ready to go. Those deserve tickets. Or the guy, who put a garbage can over a fire hydrant, I removed the can. And many other cases.
The real problem is they are idiots, and will give you a ticket for double parked while you are waiting for a parked car to leave.
I not sure if it just a lack of training ( or maybe training) and the hiring of complete idiots ”
If someone blocks my driveway and does not leave a note with their number, their car gets keyed. I promise you that they think long and hard before doing it again.
37
Mar 11, 2010 at 11:31 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
He paid for the spot a minute before the ticket was written so of course he'll win. A similar thing happened to me in Lawrence behind amazing savings. I paid for a spot and came back to my car 10 minutes later to see a ticket on it. I went to the court right away with the ticket that said 11:49 and my stub, which said I paid at 11:45. I just gave them both, pled not guilty, and never heard from the village since because, obviously, I did pay 4 minutes before the ticket was written. It's all an evil little game to them.
38
Mar 12, 2010 at 12:34 AM Yosef Says:Report as Inappropriate
That's nothing....i was driving up to Canada (87North) when i was pulled over by a cop...He gave me a ticket...for what? For failing to turn on my hazard lights (blinkers) when i was pulled over to the side (He explained that this is the law in NY State)....He told me to fill it out and send it to the judge, who will then decide the amount of the fine. I later recieved the ticket back from the judge in amount of $50 (not bad)...plus a surcharge of $140. I called them to ask "how can the surcharge be higher than the actual fine?!?" "That's the law" was the clerk's response....I'm telling you Mosiach is almost here.
39
Mar 12, 2010 at 01:47 AM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ Question? What can or can't you say to a traffic cop can you curse 4 letter words call them black n****s can somebody please tell me the legal ramifications because its so frustrating sometimes that I need to curse but I'm always afraid that these vermin will lock me up so if somebody knows the law please post ”
There is no law against cursing. It's a free country and you can say whatever you like. A cop is just another person. The only thing you can't do is make a direct threat of violence. You can't say you're going to hurt him; but you can call him whatever you like.
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Mar 12, 2010 at 01:48 AM Milhouse Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I have a better idea, instead of making a chillul hashem, why don't you walk next time ? I am so embarrased seeing traffic cops getting yelled at by heimishe yidden on 13th avenue... ”
What chilul hashem? How is it a chilul hashem to stand up for your rights? What are you, a man or a mouse?
41
Mar 12, 2010 at 05:11 AM fav anony Says:Report as Inappropriate
i recent got a ticket from an asian man while picking up my two yr old from gan. It took 45 second to go up 10 steps, pick him up and walk him down, and there is no standing anywhere in front of the building...But really kinda makes you think where this asian went wrong in his life? You know it was big if he's a young guy, and obviously no college degree. He even wore glasses! I mean how much did he have to mess up in his life not to do something with computers but instead to be a ticketing agent...nebach
42
Mar 12, 2010 at 09:17 AM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ I heard a good idea: If you do get a ticket for time expired on your stub, hang around until you see someone else returning to their car and offer them $5.00 for their still-valid stub. You can then dispute your ticket showing a valid Muni-meter receipt. ”
I think that is cheating--an "aveira" in case you forgot !!!
43
Mar 12, 2010 at 11:54 AM awacs Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ There is no law against cursing. It's a free country and you can say whatever you like. A cop is just another person. The only thing you can't do is make a direct threat of violence. You can't say you're going to hurt him; but you can call him whatever you like. ”
Uh, Milhouse, why don't you try it and see how it works out for you. :-)
Seriously, 'the law' on the street (oral law, maybe?) is often not the same as the (written) law on the books. (Or, "disorderly conduct is whatever I say it is", in the memorable words of one cop.)
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Mar 12, 2010 at 01:27 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
Ok, here's the deal. I NEVER posted on here before, but I'm going to now to prove a point. I was 17 at the time, first time driving in Brooklyn, with a few friends in the car. I am from NJ, so I did not know it was illegal to turn off Ocean Parkway (making a right) into the service road. In any case, I got pulled over. As you can imagine, I was freaking out as it's my first time being pulled over, not to mention in NYC! To make a long story short, I was extremely courteous, apologetic, and respectful to the officer, and sincerely explained to him that I was not aware that what I did was illegal. He told me to sit tight and he went back to his car. This usually means you're getting a ticket. About two minutes later, he calls me from his megaphone in his car to get out of my car. I was scared like crazy, specifically because I thought my parents would kill me! Anyway, I walk over to his car, he hands me my license, registration, and insurance card and tells me he decided to let me go because he was very impressed with me that I was so nice and respectful to him, which he said he rarely ever sees around here! And yes, I was wearing a kippa! Bottom line, Derech Eretz and Kiddush Hashem!
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Mar 12, 2010 at 01:31 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
sorry, got cut off from my previous post. Anyway, Derech Eretz goes a long way when you deal with these cops, meter maids, etc. You also have to understand that at the end of the day, they are just doing their jobs, and I'm sure they don't enjoy it! Can you imagine what it's like for them showing up at the end of the day and showing their supervisor that they didn't write up any tickets that day?! They probably would get fired! So they look for ways to write tickets because they have no choice...they're husslers, just like any one else hussles in their line of work. I'm definitely not defending them, as I too can't stand them and hate getting tickets for no reason, but just be nice-it all works in your favor at the end!
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Mar 12, 2010 at 03:04 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
“ sorry, got cut off from my previous post. Anyway, Derech Eretz goes a long way when you deal with these cops, meter maids, etc. You also have to understand that at the end of the day, they are just doing their jobs, and I'm sure they don't enjoy it! Can you imagine what it's like for them showing up at the end of the day and showing their supervisor that they didn't write up any tickets that day?! They probably would get fired! So they look for ways to write tickets because they have no choice...they're husslers, just like any one else hussles in their line of work. I'm definitely not defending them, as I too can't stand them and hate getting tickets for no reason, but just be nice-it all works in your favor at the end! ”
Good Job! We should all learn from you. We should all aspire to always make a kiddush hashem!
48
Jul 11, 2010 at 04:05 PM Anonymous Says:Report as Inappropriate
I had the same thing happen to me a few days ago. The creep could clearly see me at the Muni meter and wrote the ticket anyway. I got in his face, argued and called him a loser more than once. He turned and went on his merry way writing ticket after ticket. I too, am like the original poster. I NEVER get tickekts and go through about $100/month in Muni cards.