I, too, was issued a ticket yesterday (April 26) for backing into a space in the garage behind Lake and Oak Park Avenue. [$20 for backing into a stall?! Viewpoints, April 21] I thought it was a joke. I have never heard of a parking sting before this. Tiny-lettered signs are located behind parking spaces and blocked from view. Only when returning to pay did I notice this request to park in lemming-like obedience.
Warnings unheeded deserve penalties, but penalties for offenses that do not offend deserve ridicule.
Take my $20 and choke on it.
Terry Flynn
Midlothian
Submitted to WednesdayJournalOnline.com
As a driver’s ed student in another state years ago, I was taught that backing into a space was preferred. The reason is that backing into a space provides maximum visibility, both when entering and leaving the space.
When backing out of a space, particularly in a parking garage, more than half of your vehicle is exposed to oncoming traffic before you can see that traffic. You just go out slowly hoping you don’t get hit by a driver who is distracted or going too fast.
A couple of years ago when the same issue was raised, the reason given was that, if you backed in, the police would have to get out of their patrol car to see if you had an expired plate sticker.
Obviously the Village of Oak Park is more concerned about ticket revenues than safety. My solution to this and all the other ridiculous parking moves by Oak Park was to take my business elsewhere.
Dale Jones
River Forest
Submitted to WednesdayJournalOnline.com