Just a really quick one. I'm used to those. Totally kidding Phil.

So, when we were up at the hospital quite a bit with Sam in Feb/March, we acquired 4 parking tickets outside the hospital.

Of course the policing of car spots outside a hospital are a ridiculous yet necessary evil. If people aren't moved along of course, they'll never leave, and no one will get a park. I totally get that.

But what about people like myself, like so many, who get stuck. Waiting on a doctor, waiting in an appointment, waiting in the Emergency Room, waiting all day. What about waiting with your child who doesn't want to go through the trauma of having a cannula inserted, all alone?

Well, all the above happened and those are the times, we got a parking ticket for overstaying our 2 hour limit. Between those times, however, we paid our meter as needed and by no means, ever avoid consciously paying our dues.

So when it all settled down, I decided to try my luck by contacting the Council and explaining my situation. I mean, seriously, for family who need to be up at the hospital, especially with a sick loved one, surely there should be some kind of pass they can be granted?
Any way, here is my initial letter:

18 February, 2010

The Chief Executive Officer

Gold Coast City Council

I write to you regarding a series of Parking tickets that myself and my husband received during our son Samuels stay at the Gold Coast Hospital. Our first stay was on Monday the 1st of February when our son fell off the monkey bars at school. He then had to be operated on and released the next day.

Our second stay, was from Tuesday the 9th of February, until Monday the 15th of February after he fell ill due to a terrible infection in the broken arm. So during these times we received 4 tickets at various times. I can tell you now, all of these fines were unavoidable. At all times, we were with our sick child and unable to leave his side. I find it incredible that a hospital and its local council do not have some sort of redemption system for car parking for the immediate family of loved ones. Or the facilities for long term parking on site. Clearly we are not parking around the hospital for the fun of it, nor is it pleasant to receive a parking ticket on your windscreen after being so completely stressed about a sick loved one, especially a child. Please note at all times, the longterm carpark bordering High Street was COMPLETELY full.

Also to note was that at all times, excluding the first day of the second stay where I was ensconced in the Emergency Department all day and unable to leave as I was on my own, we did feed the meter. We paid 40 cents per hour from 9 – 6 for 6 days in total. That is $19.40 we paid out.

Not a great deal I guess in the scheme of things, but add it to the fact that time off work with sick ones usually involves loss of income, tickets for $35 are just a massive kick in the teeth. I also understand the area needs to be policed so there is adequate parking however for people who up there 24/7, this is very difficult.

I am asking, on compassionate grounds, that you forgive and waive these 4 fines on our behalf. Your consideration in this matter would be greatly appreciated.
Regards

Mystery Mum (of course I actually put my own name)

CC. – Gold Coast Bulletin.

I am happy to report, today, we received a letter that says all four tickets have been waived. YAHOO!

Today, a little bit of Common Sense made it's way back into the world. Either that or the processor of the day, was on the gear. Either way, it's a nice surprise.