I'm sorry but you can't park there!

Ok, I have a new guilty pleasure and it's a show called Parking Wars on A&E. Yes, it's yet another reality show, but it's a good one and not for the reason you may think. The basis of the show is following the Philadelphia Parking Authority (PPA) a they go about their jobs patrolling the streets of Philadelphia for illegally parked cars.

They break the action into four groups. The first group is the actual ticket writers who walk the streets. The second group are the "booters" whose primary job is driving around, checking plates and placing boots on any car with three or more expired tags. The third group are the two truck drivers and the fourth group is the employees who work at the impound lot. Each group has it's own uniqueness and while they are funny and have some tense moments with irate "parkers", the best part (or scariest) is the reactions of most of these people.

I am truly floored by, and find myself laughing at most of these people. The reason I laugh is pure and simple. These people get busted for breaking the law (regardless how minor the offense) and the anger and excuses that spew forth from these people is amazing. Without going into specific stories, the common theme among them is how it's everyone elses fault. Philadelphia (PA), like most, if not all states, requires insured vehicles. So, it makes sense that when you go to pick up your impounded vehicle, that not only do you have to show that the vehicle is insured, you have to show that you also have a valid drivers license. I have to say that my favorite part was watching all of the people who thought that this was the most ridiculous request and were beside themselves for having to provide this information. A couple of the episodes show people who did have insurance, but just not an updated card with them. So what would be your next step? I would call my insurance company and ask them for an updated proof of insurance. Apparently I'm alone on that one as every single person shown felt it was the parking authorities responsibility to track down their insurance agent and get the information needed.

I guess the sad part of it for me is that it really shows how we're transitioning to a world of nobody ever being at fault and taking responsibility for their own actions. If there is someone else to blame, let's do that because it's easier than looking within to find out what really went wrong and if it's something we can change!

The best part of the show is the reactions of people. One lady who's car was being booted, came out, jumped in her car and tried to take off while the boot as on. After a couple back and forths, she did manage to break the boot off, but not before destroying the entire inner fender of her car. I am sure that the damage she caused in trying to "flee" was more than the $130 she had in unpaid parking tickets, that would have prevented the boot in the first place. But that's right, it's the cities fault for putting the no parking signs where they were, or for not feeding her meter when it ran out, etc.

In conclusion, just watch the show! It's entertaining to say the least. The editing is humorous and they do a great job of interjecting little funny spots here and there. You'll also be surprised at the interactions amongst the people o the city. I watch it and say to myself (I just don't see that happening here in Portland...why? That's for a different post
altogether)