Parking Violators at Mansfield Train Station to Get the Boot

Like a batter at the plate, non-Mansfield residents parking in spaces meant for residents at the train station will have three strikes before they are out, or more specifically, have a boot on their car.

After weeks of requests and inquires from selectman Jess Aptowitz to address the issue of non-residents using train station parking spaces intended for residents, the Mansfield Selectmen voted to place a boot on any car that receives three tickets for any non-Mansfield vehicle that parks at the train station in a space designated for Mansfield residents.

The policy will go into effect once the proper signage is installed in the area.

According to Town Manager Bill Ross, over 400 tickets were handed out last year for the parking violations, much to his surprise.

“I’ll admit I didn’t think it was a problem when Jess brought it up but it is a problem,” Ross said at Wednesday’s selectmen meeting.

Aptowitz initially wanted to tow cars but concerns over liability saw the board settle for booting cars rather than removing them.

“You want to be a good neighbor but my obligation is to the people of Mansfield. If they want to be able to park their car, those 3-4 spaces may be the difference in someone not getting a spot,” Apowitz said. “If someone comes off the train this late at night and they see the boot or it’s towed, they’re going to learn their lesson.”

The three strikes policy will not take into consideration if the tickets were paid or not, just if they were issued. Currently, the town owns one boot but will buy more if it is deemed necessary.