A flyer was posted on the porch of all the houses on the block: NOTICE: STOPPING, STANDING, OR PARKING PROHIBITED. IF YOU ARE PARKED WITHIN THE POSTED AREA DURING THE DATE AND TIME THAT THIS RESTRICTION IS IN EFFECT YOU WILL BE TICKETED AND TOWED.
Or not.
A few people moved their cars to make room for the moving truck, but many remained. With no tickets, no towing.
Will people heed this notice the next time it is posted? With each false proclamation — whether about parking, “mandatory” attendance, use of equipment, or any other regulation that threatens action but doesn’t follow through — the impact of future warnings is diminished. If you want to show your teeth, you should be prepared to use them — otherwise, teeth are better saved to form a smile.
