So, I'm walking down 21st Avenue Northeast in the U-District last night, and I see a row of parked cars with tickets and orange stickers slapped down on their windshields. Imagine my surprise to learn that the City of Seattle does not allow cars to remain parked in the same spot for more than 72 hours. I'm not usually prone to criticizing government regulations, but give me a break!
The city's Web site reads: "Although some people may not use their vehicles on a regular basis (and therefore leave them parked on the street), they must still be moved every 72 hours and comply with posted signs announcing temporary parking restrictions that may go into effect after 24 hours."
OK...I could see this if the city were simply trying to prevent people from ditching junker cars all over the nicest streets on Capitol Hill, but this is the U-District. Some of us do not have parking garages, cannot afford street permits, and don't have time to drive around between classes trying to find a parking space when we already have a perfectly good one!
I don't drive more than once a week, which actually cuts down on pollutants. But the city punishes me instead of rewarding me or providing me with better transit options so I can give up my car for good.
Has anyone from the city government tried to find a parking space around the university while school is in session?
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