Several years ago when I was looking for a place to hold a conference--a weekend event that brings in 200 people who spend an enormous amount of money--I met with my backers at Starbucks on Washington Street. I was 30 seconds late to the meter. The cop had just started to write the ticket. I presented myself and asked if she could give me a break, since I was there with change. She proceeded to finish writing the ticket. My backers saw this and suggested we look elsewhere. We decided on Provincetown, where my conference continues to take place the first weekend in June. The Chamber of Commerce estimates that the the event brings in $250k to hotels, restaurants, and businesses for the weekend and several days before and after. Salem could have had this, but for a $15 parking ticket.

It was Thursday and we got a $25 Ticket after running around looking for change for the meter.

Thank you Joanne,, perfect example of how poor policy can impact a city! Taxpayers and public should be informed.

I like many residents of Salem after reading these complaints are saying, really! You both let a $15 and $25 dollar parking tickets, that you have both admitted was due, to negatively impact your impression of one of the most historical towns in America. That’s really a sad statement. I cover all of New England, holding business conferences. I’ve gotten parking tickets in more towns than I can name. To let those tickets distract me from the business at hand would be malfeasance to my employers and downright petty.

I’m sorry that the family was unable to find change for the meter. Salem is addressing that issue with new meters that use credit cards. But if you decided to take a tour, rather than return and put the change in the meter, you made a choice. Salem enforcement of it’s parking rules was only the result of your actions. We hope you and your family will return to Salem, and next time use one of the parking garages.

But to the company who took their business to Provincetown because a Traffic Warden wouldn’t tear up her parking ticket......bye Felicia! I think Salem dogged a bullet on that business.

Mayor's Office assigned this issue to Display Name Blocked (1500677)

Who doesn't carry change for the parking meters? Seriously there is a Bank right across the street. Not to mention Engine House Pizza

Um, who DOES carry change anymore?? Any real city has automated meters that you can just pay with an app on your phone. Even the roads are becoming digital only, as seen on the Pike and the bridges into Boston. As the person said, Salem is way behind the times. A place that wants tourists so badly should be set up for that. We do not carry cash at all anymore and it is projected that cash will be going away soon. Everything is digital now. The entire parking dept under that new guy that does not even drive to work (great pick to be traffic director!) is awful. Timing of lights are terrible, new one-ways all over the place, horrible bike paths putting people at risk, and now we hear he wants to turn Norman into a two-way in front of the Post Office. Then they pull things like putting on 'no parking' covers on broken meters....seriously?? So petty that you get rid of badly-needed spots because they cannot collect their precious tokens?? How about maybe FIXING the meter instead, and leaving it open until you do? They have done this at the YMCA lot, even in the winter when spots are already a major issue.

Your a grown-up, make a note of when you paid (maybe using your smartphone) and don't be late next time. As a tax payer I'd be disappointed if the parking attendant hadn't given you a ticket.

How much is the parking there, 75 cents an hour? but we should pay @$1500 to put in a smart meter (plus maintenance), that doesn't seem like very good use of my tax money.

Thank you for your feedback.

Thanks for fixing this request!

Dont really think non-salem residents should have any say on how our city operators...you are a guest in our town...

As long as Salem continues to be a mecca for tourist, we need to listen to tourist. However, when people attack our city for being responsible and following our laws, then we need to call that out. The negativity of this comment is an issue with me, but the fact that we haven't replaced all of our parking meters with the latest technology. That's a valid point. But, no our parking officers need to enforce the law. And if you feel so privileged, that that getting a "valid" ticket offends you, then we really don't need you in Salem. We welcome you, but we are not subservient to you! Your business doesn't give you any special privilege than the citizens of Salem.

$25 ticket for meter violation is outrageous regardless of where you come from.Salem is out of control on so many levels its ridiculous. We are on the fast track to complete tourism failure. Drunks, homeless, junkies, begers, preachers and so on.

Jerry Smith: Felicia still lives here, but she runs her business elsewhere. You have no idea what the city missed out on.

Mayor's Office assigned this issue to Traffic & Parking

Thank you for your input, and we are sorry to hear about your unfortunate experience during your visit to the City of Salem. As parking technology continues to evolve, the City of Salem has made many upgrades to the parking infrastructure since your visit in 2018. These improvements include the option to pay by credit card and/or pay by phone using an app at the parking meters.