For Better or For Worse by Lynn Johnston for August 24, 2014

That’s right – if she’s already gotten the ticket, there’s no rush.

At first I thought the meter guy was having a pen cap in his mouth, not a cigarette. (I sure would like to know how do they keep track of the meters without having to walk on by.)

Funny thing. Most of the meter maids working around these parts do actually smoke on duty. I guess one of the attractions of the job is that they work outdoors and can smoke anytime.

Well played!

I know of one city that had parking meters which allowed you to pay up to 2 hours; some construction workers were taking a lot of spaces so the Parking Authority claimed that the 2-hour limit was the maximum time you could be that space.

in our town they did away with most of the coin meters and replaced them with credit/debit card meters, you run your card, pick a time and it spits out a receipt that you place on your dash on the passenger side, that can still run out of time but it also stops you from leaving time on a meter for someone else to park on your nickel. When you leave the spot even if you have a lot of time left, the next person has to run their card, and your receipt is only good for that one spot.

Who can blame her?

i HAVE ACTUALLY DONE THIS and the cop laughed and walked away I was gone about two hours my car was still there no extra ticket, no, boot. so Elly is probably safe.

While I agree that Elly’s attitude is just plain wrong, the meter man is neither unattractive nor slovenly. He’s drawn as every other character in the strip is drawn, and for the most part just like most of us – with wrinkles and flaws.Getting back to Elly, her attitude shows a lack of respect for the law that is appalling.I also have a problem with the cop writing the ticket before the meter ran out. (see panel 3 – he’s got the ticket book already out sitting on her car as we see (hear?) the meter click)

did you know you don’t have to pay it back they’ll take it ou of your tax refund

I loved the joke. But it would never work in real life.

A few years ago in Salt Lake there was a guy performing random acts of kindness by putting quarters in parking meters that were about to expire. He got arrested for it.

Years ago in Salt Lake the meter maids drove around in little Cushman three-wheelers. Now they drive around in style, in big four-door Jeeps with right-hand steering.

I used to always look for someone to give my ticket to if I had time left, others did it too til everything changed! now the registration number is printed on a parking ticket, spoilsports!

I fill up the meter for 2 hours, no matter what and refill it when I leave…I don’t mind someone else parking on my dime.

Last I heard, around here they chalk the tires, and if the chalk mark is in the same position when they return, ka-CHING! No boots.

I seldom see a boot used unless it is a serious scoff-law who has multiple unpaid tickets. Still, terrible idea – but I did similar things when I was young and foolish (younger than she).

I see boots on private property more than on public streets.

Elly (1), parking meter guy (0)… ;)

um, last time I checked, comic strips where supposed to be a suspension of “real world” life. You know, funny and “wow, wouldn’t that be great if you really could….” Maybe I’m a wee bit strange, but that’s why I read the comics, not so I can pick apart the inconsistencies of “real world” versus “comic world”. Silly me.

gmartin997: I remember those days. It was a war on non-smokers. I had witnesses that I could detect a surreptitious smoker indoors, at 35 yards, by scent alone.

Good for Elly! What a jerk that guy is. (I’d use a stronger word if the comments section allowed it.) I’d want to do the same thing she did but I’d be too afraid.

In my area if you have a limit (2 hour) on parking you will continue to get tickets if you don’t move vehicle. Ex. park 7a receive ticket 9:05 vehicle not moved at 11a receive another ticket. Isn’t life just grand.