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Parking meters leave drivers in the cold

Posted at 4:09 AM, Nov 21, 2014
and last updated 2014-11-21 04:21:20-05

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - We've all been there, parked at a meter and wondering if you scrounged up enough change or if you need to run out and feed it a few more quarters.

Meter readers say parking tickets in Grand Rapids are on the rise these days due to the early winter-like weather. And meter readers are working through the weather using full enforcement, even as the snow keeps coming.

If you think blustery weather and sideways spitting snow are going to stop you from getting a ticket, think again.

Bob Reusch, parking meter reader of two years, says enforcement is giving out more tickets right now because of the winter weather. The weather is making it difficult for people to return to their meters on time to either feed them or move their cars.

“This is a difficult time of year for everybody,” said Reusch.

In the short amount of time we walked with Reusch, he issued ticket after ticket using an electronic app on a wireless device. He believes people are not very familiar with the city ordinances and says people make mistakes. And it’s going to cost you.

Police enforce odd-even parking in residential areas, and the city enforces meters as well as signs, cross walks, no-parking zones, even private driveways.

Reusch has a few tips if you plan on parking downtown.

“Know the city ordinances,” said Reusch. “Secondly, don't try to cut it too close with the amount of money that you're putting in the meter.”

If you choose to park on the street you can use the Parkmobile app, or just call the number on the meter to schedule parking time at that meter.

If you’re going downtown, don’t let an unpaid parking meter leave you out in the cold.