Maybe Goa could learn from these guys. Just the other day, it struck me that to avoid parking in prohibited zones, the corporation of the city and the police lift away vehicles (specially two wheelers) and carry them away to the police station (near the Panjim market area). This is a good way of cleaning up the (crowded) town. Even if my bike was taken away twice, it is a positive move. Yet, imagine the waste of human energy and fuel. Couldn't a policy of parking tickets be implemented? Or are the Regional Transport Office records in such a mess (inspite of all the talk of computerisation) that it would be difficult to implement the same? Just wondering... FN
Dear Yahoo!: What really happens if you don't pay a parking ticket? Shelly Vernon Hills, Illinois Dear Shelly: Let's face it, if Osama bin Laden and a meter maid both came strolling toward your car, you'd probably think, "Oh no, here comes a meter maid." Parking tickets -- a nuisance to some, source of nightmares to others. So why pay? For one thing, many states, such as California, won't renew your car registration if you have outstanding tickets. According to the Los Angeles Parking Violations Bureau, your tax refund can also be withheld. And consider the fines. San Francisco, for example, adds an additional $25 after 21 days of non-payment, another $35 after 50 days. Other cities, like Seattle, tack on similar amounts. Many municipalities send unpaid tickets to collection agencies, which can affect your credit rating. Roanoke has taken to public shaming. Even worse, if you have five or more unpaid citations, that city will employ the dreaded wheel immobilization device, aka "The Boot." Three unpaid tickets will get you booted in Denver, Phoenix, and Philadelphia. LA and San Francisco clamp down after five. If you get booted in San Francisco, you have 72 hours to pay what you owe plus $75 for removal. After that, a worst-case scenario ensues: Your car can be towed. The fee for that is $184.75. If it's impounded for more than four hours, charges accrue at $35.75 per day, plus fees. Boise recently offered an amnesty for scofflaws. But don't count on that where you live. If you can't pay the fine...don't do the crime, bro. -- ---------------------------------------------------------- Frederick 'FN' Noronha | Yahoomessenger: fredericknoronha http://fn.goa-india.org | [EMAIL PROTECTED] Independent Journalist | +91(832)2409490 Cell 9822122436 ---------------------------------------------------------- Photographs from Goa: http://www.flickr.com/photos/fn-goa/popular-views/ _____________________________________________ Do not post admin requests to the list. Goanet mailing list ([email protected])
