Your blog is consistently informative and enjoyable – I have feedback on this one.
I have experienced ticket payments being made in pennies a few times during my career in parking, and have also been told of others that have experienced this phenomena. Until now, the largest amount I have been aware of was less than $100.
I suggest that the best approach is to accept the pennies, but require them to be deposited subject to bank verification of the amount, and any counting fees by the bank be the responsibility of the person making payment. Alternately they may be accepted in rolled form with the wrappers marked with the name of the person paying with them – then there is no potential cost to the citizen other than more time to make their point, and any needed follow up may be easily performed. Why should I care how someone chooses to pay tickets, so long as it does not cost me much in time or money?
Oftentimes, when this kind of thing happens it merits taking a step back and considering what would motivate someone to go through so much trouble to make their point. I have had interesting and informative discussions result from similar instances. Perhaps rates, parking availability (supply/demand), enforcement, adjudication, or collection processes and practices need evaluation and change. Thoughtful follow up with an open mind can turn this soft form of civil disobedience into a positive experience for both the citizen and bureaucrat.
Regards,
Mike
Michael T. Klein, CAPP
Executive Director
Albany Parking Authority
One Response
They’re legal tender. You have to accept them. That’s federal law. Processing cost cannot be passed on any more than any other overhead you incur. If the fine is $10, you have no right to refuse, or attempt to charge above, one thousand pennies.
If you don’t like it, stop handing out bogus tickets!