List

After some research of the parking bylaws and regulations of Amherst, MA I have found a case of the Town being in violation of its own codes.  This list will grow as I have time to do more research.

I have found one Amherst parking regulation that states:

“Any person aggrieved by an such decision of the Town Manager, or any decision of the Parking Enforcement Supervisor under these regulations may appeal said decision in writing to the Parking Commission which shall be authorized to hear and act upon such appeals.”

Here is the full text of these: Amherst Permit Parking Regulations.

The problem is, that the Town of Amherst, Massachusetts dismissed the Parking Commission years ago and has chosen not to reinstate it.  This leaves a gap in the parking appeals process between the Town Hearings officer, Town Manager, and the Municipal Court.

Simply stated, if have a disagreement about your Town parking permit, if at first you get a no, your only next option is to sue the Town.

As I understand it, the filing fee for a law suit over a parking ticket is $275.00, not to mention lawyers fees, and if you win your case the maximum amount you will be able to recover is the $8.00 fine.  Or, if you choose to not pay the parking fine you will not be able to get your drivers license renewed.  It is clear why Amherst, MA has over a 97% parking ticket collections rate.

My recommendation is, DON’T COME TO AMHERST MASS.  If we can empty the streets, even for a short time, this would send a message to the town to act more  responsibly in their enforcement of law.

This Community Action web site was inspired by Claire McGinnis,
Hearings Officer for the Town of Amherst.

Search Engine optimization provided by Freeman Enterprises