About 15 years ago, while on business in New York City (Brooklyn)at the Metro Transit Authority, I parked my car about 3 blocks away. No meter, no yellow/red lines, no temp restricted parking signs or permanent ones and I checked, being a frequent Manhattan visitor. There were other cars there also and it was late in the day in this business area. Two hours later, I come out and the car is gone. First I thought it was stolen, then after 20 calls, I learned it was towed. I was irate and after walking around I found a no-parking sign 6 CITY BLOCKS AWAY! Brooklyn impound closes, (unlike Manhattan which is a 24hr ATM for the city) so by the time I got the 260.00 tow fee (thats right tow/ticket/STORAGE), it was closed. I had to return the next day and pay 290. What was I going to do, contest it when the court date was 30 days a way? Spend the next week arguing with assinine beaurcrats while I have no car. Was I going to get the tow fee back after I won the case?..yeah right. This was legalized extortion. (and they talk about the mob...they are worse). They count on people paying to generate income, legal or not. THEY make it tough, and (not worth your while) to contest it and have your day in court. I have, (and had at the time also), a perfect driving record and clean everything. Maybe this guy was ticked because of something similar. Everyone assumes he received a valid ticket. Fines are supposed to punish bad behavior and now it seem like they are just used to bail bloated local govts out. Have you seen the great service taxpayers get at DMV? They are always mad at the world and think they can do whatever they want, and they can, or you wait forever. The line is "By the people, for the people", but some "public servants" forgot or never knew that. Also, I'm sure they HAD to take the pennies. When I was younger the Garden State Parkway machines wouldn't accept them and now they do.