Today’s Philadelphia Inquirer reported on an order from Court of Common Pleas Judge Leon Tucker changing the process for determining the legitimacy of Philadelphia parking tickets. The validity of many city parking tickets has been called into question, and the process for appealing tickets is not always navigable. In an effort to address these problems, Judge Tucker’s order aims to make both the ticketing and appeals processes more transparent.
 
When challenging a ticket, the four-part order: 1. Establishes the ability to cross-examine the ticket writer; 2. Requires the ticket to be dismissed if the precise location of the vehicle is not indicated; 3. Requires the ticket writer to sign all tickets written; and 4. Compels the Bureau of Administrative Adjudication hearing examiner to explain in writing his reasoning for upholding a ticket. The order has been referred to Philadelphia’s Law Department for review. A copy of the order is available for purchase on the Philadelphia Courts’ website.