The post you are reporting:
I feel a bit defensive of Dover's parking because I really don't think it's that bad. Been to Canterbury lately? Or Maidstone? Or Ashford? I think we get a far better deal in Dover.
Every time I go to Folkestone or Canterbury I hunt down the back streets and secret urban areas and walk in. Takes a bit longer but hey. I can often park in Dover for an hour for less than a quid which is ample - and cheap.
I'm well known for NOT being "green" or "environmentally friendly" too but for those who are, just think of how over-run with cars we'd all be if the parking was all free? Think of the unfair use of car parks if the early birds took all the free spaces and just stayed there for hours at a time? Think of the poor traffic wardens, out of work, because we want freebies. Hey, they're people and they need love too. But not too much love, grrr.....
Paying for parking is a reality of EVERY town and city in the land and I really don't think Dover is that bad. I have seen MANY places far worse, far more expensive, and some with very poor facilities (such as big pot holes that damage your wheels). You could argue that Dover's parking could be better, but EVERYTHING could be better and the forthcoming extra free hour is at least a little bit of help when we need it, even if it isn't a golden ticket to free parking.
As for being caught and getting a ticket - well, we all know the game, and we cannot complain when we lose. I've had parking tickets before. Sometimes you get unlucky but one thing is probably sure - almost every ticket is issued because the driver has broken the rules, even if it may be sometimes unwittingly.