Apopka drivers fed up with parking tickets outside homes

APOPKA, Fla. — Drivers in Apopka who got tickets for parking in front of their own homes are taking their fight to City Hall.

Residents Eyewitness News spoke with said they hope city leaders go back to the drawing board at a meeting to be held Wednesday.

Resident Rumi Huq said he has never felt paranoid in the 25 years he's lived in the Piedmont Lakes community, but he does now. His uneasiness comes from the two tickets he's received for parking on the street in front of his house.

"If this (has) become a nuisance, I understand. But it's not the case," Huq said.

Eight cars could be seen in Rumi's neighborhood through dozens of streets.

Apopka police said the city changed the parking ordinance because some streets aren't that big.

The road is 24 feet wide, but the problem is when cars park on both sides of the road, shrinking it to 15 feet of space.

In some cases Apopka police said narrow roads have made it hard for emergency vehicles to get through.

The city has made $6,400 since January by handing out more than 160 tickets.

They said most of the time tickets are written is because neighbors complain about other neighbors.

"I'm pretty sure that's what happening here right now," Huq said.

Huq said that's not fair and he hopes City Council will change the rules to address his concern.

"We're helpless and that's why we are going to the City Hall tomorrow," Huq said.

WFTV