An anecdot: when I lived in Manhattan in 2001, I parked near 61st and 1st, between two differing parking signs. I was clearly very close to one, and much further from another, by at least 50 yards. I got a ticket for illegal parking according to the further sign. Being a broke ex-dot-commer, I was furious, so I photographed and measured everything, and put together a seven page report.
After a long while, I got a response back from the responsible agency, which agreed that I was in compliance with the parking rules, and thus they would reduce the fine from $100 to $40. What??
i've had a similar situation in germany though not related to parking. i fought back while everybody suggested to just pay. after several letters quoting the law, they lowered the fine.
i wanted to fight to the end because it was a sign for me that they half-admitted wrong-doing.
but, as a sheep, i ended up paying. still hate myself for giving in.
I once parked in a free spot and got a ticket with the attendant claiming it was a disabled space. There were no markings or signs so I complained. They told me to get lost and painted a picture of a man in a wheelchair on the spot the week after. This was not in the US, btw. Bloody bureaucrats.
After a long while, I got a response back from the responsible agency, which agreed that I was in compliance with the parking rules, and thus they would reduce the fine from $100 to $40. What??