To the editor:

Beware citizens of Lawrence. The old-fashion speed trap has morphed into a city parking trap.

I received a parking ticket for parking 6 inches over the asphalt in the Borders parking lot on Dec. 24. I feel the ticket is not justified, necessary or in the true interest of public safety. After talking with the prosecuting attorney, it is clear they have no interest in the problem, but I assure you the problem is widespread. As the prosecutor told me “this happens all the time,” therefore city officials are fully aware of the issue. As a matter of fact I have been watching, and every day for the last 10 days in a row I have seen the same consistent “violation” in the same location!

As I have learned, parking on unimproved surfaces is not permitted in Lawrence. On public lots where there is little or no curb, parking stops or similar warning or limitations, this becomes an issue to those who do the right thing but get penalized anyway.

Fellow citizens be aware. To those in city planning, please consider this problem. To the Lawrence Police Department who issues these nuisance citations in areas where necessary signs and communications are nonexistent or very poor, I ask you, prioritize your responsibilities.

I can only guess how many people have received such a ticket and paid dutifully. How many were visiting and left town with a bad taste, and how many in town have a bad taste as well? This situation is obviously easy to correct with parking stops. We should hope the city has the courage to do the right thing.

Ron Helmick,

Lawrence