Random Act of Kindness or Obstruction of Justice?

Have you ever watched the television show on A&E "Parking Wars"? You know, the reality show that follows Philadelphia Parking Authority workers on their quest to ticket, tow and boot illegally parked cars? I found myself a bit confused after watching it a few times. On one hand I felt really sorry for the people who were charged big fines for an expired meter or who had to endure the pound to retrieve their vehicles and especially those who went running to feed the meter only to arrive a minute too late. On the other I gained a little empathy for the workers who take a lot of abuse from really mad (usually guilty) people who generally think the rules don't apply to them.

Living on The Main Line, parking meters are a way of life. I always carry an ashtray of quarters around to feed the darn things and beat feet to make sure I don't let them expire. After watching "Parking Wars" I've also started my own personal mission -- dropping a coin into every expired meter I pass as I go about my day.

I consider it a random act of kindness, The Lower Merion Parking Authority begs to differ.

On my trek back from The Ardmore Farmer's Market to the Suburban SquareParking Lot (free parking -- yay!) I spied a "Meter Man" making his way down Coulter Avenue, ticket printer in hand and loaded for bear. (They're kinda hard to miss, with their neon orange vest and all...I guess the hunting metaphor was a good choice). I started eyeing the meter clocks and instantly found one flashing 00.00. I dug into my pocket and popped a dime into the slot before he reached the car. Smiling at the thought of foiling the fuzz I continued on my way hoping the owner of the car (and the occupant of the baby seat) would arrive back at their car within the 11 minutes of grace time I bought them.

When the Meter Reader reached the rescued Volvo he yelled down the street to me "Mam (don't ya hate it when someone calls you that?) is this your vehicle?" "No, I replied."  "Then why may I ask did you put money in the meter?" "I consider it a random act of kindness" I said, still feeling good that I'd helped someone without asking for any thanks in return.

"Well you are obstructing justice. I could arrest you for that. The car already has a ticket so now you've opened the door for them to fight it in court." Oops. Sure hadn't noticed the ticket in my haste to help but who knew they couldn't get another one on top of the first?

"Yes, you're obstructing justice" he said, deepening his voice a little. I guess this was pretty darn exciting for him since thankfully the most action Ardmore ever sees is if Septa catches the track on fire. I glanced down to look for handcuffs or a gun. Seeing neither I decided I was just going to get off with a warning (are they even authorized to make an arrest?).

I turned on my heels to walk to my car, jingling the change in my pocket and looking for more expired meters on the way. Obstructing justice or not, I'm racking up some good Karma.

This is an original Philly Moms Blog post. Besides obstructing justice and/or saving parking fines one quarter at a time Lollie also blogs on 50Something Moms.