Unfortunate parking experience on STJ - fine $1000!

kirk · Post by **kirk** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:00 pm

waterguy wrote:I would contest it on my CC and let them get me some documents

That's the first thing that crossed my mind also.

waterguy · Post by **waterguy** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:20 pm

Great minds think alike

promoguy · Post by **promoguy** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:26 pm

Ah yes, the VIPD, parking and the ferry pier. If they only put the same effort into apprehending real criminals.

I think it was a couple of years back where a rental agent actually got accosted/arrested, actual details escape me, when she was dropping off/picking up some renters. It made the Tradewinds.

Maybe with some help someone can post that old link. I think about three years ago.

I don't think it's a scam, I just think it's police ineptitude.

Ron in South Texas · Post by **Ron in South Texas** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:30 pm

Yes...call the CC and dispute the charge. The CC company should credit your account and the burden of proof belongs to the Rental Car Company. That's the way it worked for me with 2 disputed charges.

PatS · Post by **PatS** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:45 pm

Agree with Promoguy, to bad they can't put that same effort going after real criminals as they do tourist who actually spend their money there....

cypressgirl · Post by **cypressgirl** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 6:58 pm

It sure smells foul. Protect! PROTEST!! PROTEST!!!

My gosh, driving thru Cruz Bay can be like a parking lot. People stop to gab for 5 min. holding up traffic, and we are expected to go on "island time mode".

Thanks for the warning, and I hope it works out for you.

mountaineer girl · Post by **mountaineer girl** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 7:18 pm

I was not only wondering if the rental agency was real, but is the "policewoman" real? Anyone can buy a uniform and a badge. And if she is for real - can anyone say "POWERTRIP??" Too bad they didn't have more time - I wouldn've said, Fine, handcuff me and take me to jail while I call my attorney. then again, probably not!

bert · Post by **bert** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 7:46 pm

It's a real policewoman. And unless your attorney is licensed in the VI, he can't help you. These folks really did the best thing by paying up and jumping on the ferry. The police enforce parking laws rigorously in Cruz Bay. I doubt very much that they would have taken tourists off to jail, but they definitely would have missed their flight. Play it safe and do not park anywhere near the dock; all of those spots are reserved for the handicapped or the taxi drivers (and you do not want to mess with a taxi driver's parking spot!)

peace.... bert

mountaineer girl wrote:I was not only wondering if the rental agency was real, but is the "policewoman" real? Anyone can buy a uniform and a badge. And if she is for real - can anyone say "POWERTRIP??" Too bad they didn't have more time - I wouldn've said, Fine, handcuff me and take me to jail while I call my attorney. then again, probably not!

tencats · Post by **tencats** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:13 pm

Contest it with the credit card company.... and isn't the car insurance supposed to cover this kind of thing?.... oh, and who the hey is HOSPITALITY CAR RENTAL, anyway? The old Curtesy? Great way to treat tourists who just probably dropped about $10,000 into your local economy. That policewoman would not have a paycheck or a job if it was not for the visitors to the island...... nice attitude.

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:20 pm

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promoguy · Post by **promoguy** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 8:44 pm

tencats wrote:Contest it with the credit card company.... and isn't the car insurance supposed to cover this kind of thing?.... oh, and who the hey is HOSPITALITY CAR RENTAL, anyway? The old Curtesy? Great way to treat tourists who just probably dropped about $10,000 into your local economy. That policewoman would not have a paycheck or a job if it was not for the visitors to the island...... nice attitude.

Tencats, if I come to your town and rent a car from one of the big three and get a traffic ticket....guess what happens. It goes on the credit card that's on file with the car rental company.

I'm sure that the car rental company was in this case an innocent third party. This is not a contestable item.

DELETED · Post by **DELETED** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:22 pm

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Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:36 pm

Jorge wrote:"If you don't like my peaches then don't shake my tree". Just another reason why we are looking for another island. Luvya, Jorge

Sorry to hear that, Jorge. I have been all over the Caribbean on countless islands. It is hard to find an island that has everything you want.

I have been to islands with no law enforcement and those that have machine gun carrying soldiers patrolling the street. I was mugged (purse snatching) on an island and told that carrying a purse was an invitation for trouble

I think that this situation is unfortunate, but I am not sure that there is really anyone to blame. It is terrible but the entire situation may have been avoidable if they planned a little better and got to the ferry dock earlier.

Tracy in WI · Post by **Tracy in WI** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:37 pm

My problem with this is that I always read the Tradewinds and they have a tally of all the crimes that have happened - from burglaries to assaults to whatever. They list how many are under investigation and how many are solved. It is rare to see any of them listed as solved.

In addition, isn't $1000 a bit over the top for a few moments in a handicap space?

Quite ridiculous to me.

Who do we complain to on their behalf?

Xislandgirl · Post by **Xislandgirl** » Fri Mar 09, 2007 9:53 pm

According to this site:
http://www.visuperiorcourt.org/FAQ/FAQ_Traffic.aspx

$1000 is the fine.
I am not sure what ammendment to the Constitution (I think it is the 10th) states it but I believe it leaves setting fines to the individual jurisdiction or police power.

usvi-on-line

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Unfortunate parking experience on STJ - fine $1000!