Help Me Hank: Help Me Hank! Parking meter mess

All the meters along Charles Street look alike, right? At least from this point of view they do.

But Chris Wilson looked closer and found a real bargain spot. He thought he was all set for his night at Spamalot.

Chris Wilson
"Great spot. Nice and close to the theater."

Because this Charles Street meter was different. Take a closer look through the rain drops. After 6:00 p.m., it's free.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"And what time was it when you parked?"

Chris Wilson
"It was about 6:15 p.m. when we pulled into the meter."

That's great news. No quarters needed here! So Chris left the zeros on the meter flashing and went with his wife to see a night of dancing and singing knights.

Chris Wilson
"We were all set. We were golden. We found a free spot in Boston."

But when they returned, it looked like it wouldn't be free parking after all.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"What was on your car?"

Chris Wilson
"This thing, the big orange thing."

The crime: expired meter. The time: 6:46 p.m.

And Chris was confused because he confirmed it on the meter, no money needed after 6:00 p.m.

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"Did you deserve this ticket?"

Chris Wilson
"No, no, it was after 6:00 p.m."

Chris called the Boston Parking Department, but they insisted all the meters on Charles Street were the same.

Chris Wilson
"They told us all the meters on the street are til 8:00 p.m."

Hank Phillippi Ryan
"And what did you say?"

Chris Wilson
"I said, 'Definitely not. We parked at a meter that said 6 p.m.'"

Chris knew to fight city hall he'd have to get a picture of the meter, then miss work to go plead his case.

Chris Wilson
"Last ditch effort I called you Hank. I said 'Help Me Hank.'"

We took a picture of the meter for Chris, and it definitely read 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

So, we called city hall to correct the meter mix-up.

They checked Charles Street and had to admit Chris's meter was only enforced til 6:00 p.m. Somehow, they said, someone neglected to update the signage. Bottom line: Chris should never have gotten this ticket.

And shortly after, they sent Chris a notice that his ticket was dismissed.

Chris Wilson
"I feel like the little guy has definitely won out over the big guy."

Don't go looking for that magic meter now, though. We helped Chris of course, but as a result that meter is now just like the others.

(Copyright (c) 2006 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)