In the true spirit of Christmas, if you’re a driver in Boston or other towns, you can get an expensive parking ticket wiped off your record by donating a toy to the Toys for Tots campaign.

Boston has been doing it for 18 years. and last year raised over $3000 in toys contributions. In some cases, some motorists donate toys worth more than what the fine of the ticket was.

Other cities like Cambridge, Ontario also do a Toys for Tickets campaign. as well as at Salem State University north of Boston.

Maybe we could interest Mayor Emanuel in such a program here in Chicago?

The Grinch Who Ticketed The Santa Parade

In Windsor, Ontario they have an annual holiday parade.

Because there’s so little parking, the city as matter of course, every year turns a blind eye to parking violations during the parade. At least until this year.

Obviously, someone didn’t get the memo as one ticket writer issued 30 parking tickets during Windsor’s Santa parade which angered about 30 drivers.

But, Santa came early this year as the City of Windsor has apologized according to the Canadian Broadcasting Company news accounts and all tickets were dismissed.

OMG! Naperville Raises Parking Ticket Fines to $50!

Now that west suburban Naperville is the second largest city in Illinois, the city council there has decided to bump up the cost of parking tickets from $35 to $50. The increase in fines could raise an additional $150,000 according to the Daily Herald.

A Bike Lane Snow Plow? Huh?!?

No kidding.

Pfizer has donated a pickup truck to plow snow on Chicago’s protected bike lanes after snowstorms.

“Chicago’s protected bike lanes are a welcome addition to the many transportation options for commuters. But if they’re covered in snow, people will revert to using cars to get around the city, adding to the traffic congestion,” said Luann Hamilton, Deputy Commissioner for the Chicago Department of Transportation on Thursday. “This snow removal equipment will help our residents take advantage of the bike lanes during the winter months.”

It’s all part of a promotion for Advil Congestion Relief–get it?–congestion relief!

Hoo boy!

Tips On How Not To Park Your Car

Got a  photo of  a parent’s vehicle parked like a serious dumbass while dropping off their kid for school this week.

The butt end of the car is hanging nearly halfway into the street.

Let me assure you, there’s no diagonal parking on this residential street adjacent to a school just down the block from a police station.

Sure, I understand you don’t want to be late for school, but really?!?