Parking ticket fight stretching into 2009

NEW YORK, Dec. 8 (UPI) -- A New York man said he has been fighting the same parking ticket for more than two years, causing the fine to nearly double.

Simon Belsky, 61, said he was issued a $115 fine Nov. 3, 2006, for allegedly blocking a fire hydrant with his parked 1990 Chrysler van. But he claims the only hydrant in sight when he parked was a good distance down the block, the New York Post reported Monday.

The fine has since increased to $200 with penalties, but Belsky said he does not plan to give up the fight.

"I got nothing else to do. I'm retired," Belsky said.

He said he filed a petition in state Supreme Court in August suing the New York City Department of Finance. However, during his court appearance last week, the city's attorney was granted an adjournment -- the second in the case -- until Feb. 2.

Belsky said if his suit is successful, he plans to file a civil suit against the city to recoup his legal expenses and other fees incurred, which he estimates cost him about $7,500 thus far.