I had to take my DS to the doctor today since he's been fighting a virus these past two weeks and complained that his ear was hurting. I really hate this particular office because it has a small parking lot that serves 4 offices. I can't always park in the lot when I go since it usually is packed, but today there were a few open spots and silly me, I parked in one of them. I came out of the office only to discover that I was being blocked by two cars! After trying to find the owners myself, and finding out that there is no building manager or anyone else in charge at the office building, I called the police. The officer who came told me the most he could do was try and find the owners, but since it is private property, the cars blocking me weren't breaking any laws (which seems incredulous to me because it is clearly marked as no parking).

One of the owner's moved his car, but the officer couldn't locate the owner of the other car blocking me because it is owned by an organization and so we couldn't be sure which office the driver was in. I had no choice but to wait. Thankfully, the car that was parked next to me was able to get out and I had enough room to back up, but that was after waiting 45 minutes. I asked the officer who I could complain to and he said my doctor. The funny thing is, my doctor's office complains about the parking situation themselves!

I have another appointment in two weeks - I'll be parking on a side street next time - but should I wait until then and complain directly to the doctor or should I write them a letter? It seems to be a problem in all the offices, yet it still continues.

By Ginny~moderator on Friday, March 2, 2007 - 03:13 pm:

I would send a letter. Verbal complaints aren't worth the paper they're written on (seriously). And, ask your doctor's office for the name of the building management.

I would also check with your township about the laws governing private parking lots - whether a police officer can ticket someone who is blocking parked vehicles in a private parking lot.

If you have the license numbers of the cars, I would also complain to the organization, with the license number, date and time. Again, in writing.

By Karen~admin on Friday, March 2, 2007 - 04:04 pm:

Ditto Ginny!!!!!!!