‘S’ entered the IDF a number of weeks ago and she is currently in the midst of basic training. She was off for a weekend and out on Motzei Shabbos in the Machane Yehuda area of Yerushalayim. She became frustrated after she could not find a parking spot. She finally found a spot but wasn’t sure if it was legal so she consulted with passersby, who assured her it was fine. She parked and was surprised to find a NIS 500 summons upon her return.

She explains that she went online almost immediately and paid the summons to get done with it. She received a digital receipt a short time later. However, when she checked her bank account online the next morning, she was shocked to fine the city levied the fine 11 times, taking NIS 5,500 from her account!

She told MyNet on Wednesday, 11 Elul that she has been on the phone with city clerks all week, albeit without any signs of progress. One clerk said he does not see the summons issued at all. Another she explains she should receive a cancelation of the excessive charges from the city and the money returned to her account, but this has yet to occur.

The credit card company intervened on her behalf, but was told by city officials that the problem has been resolved but in actuality, it hasn’t.

When asked to comment, a city official explains that when she paid the fine online, it appears she was uncertain if the payment went through and repeatedly hit the ‘pay’ button, resulting in the excessive charges. The city only received NIS 500 and the rest went to the credit card company. However, being that this is a soldier the city is going to work it out with the credit card company in an effort to assist the young soldier.

(YWN – Israel Desk, Jerusalem)