If you've ever tried parking in Rye during the day, you've probably found the whole process a little difficult. Okay, that's an understatement. Logarithms For Boolean Algebra are a little difficult. Compared to that, finding a safe space in Rye is like learning the lyrics to that Schoolhouse Rock song, "Zero, My Hero."

As you know, you can hunt hither and yon for a free spot. But you have two basic options for parking in Rye.  

There are some –occasionally– at the CVS on Purdy Avenue and Boston Post Road. I remember I even got one once. And the exact date. It was St. Swithins Day, 1999. The problem with this is, you always worry about those signs that say "For Customers Only-All Others Will Be Towed." So you constantly walk around with a CVS bag and receipt to prove you're a shopper. Even if you're only carrying an empty bottle of Visine and a receipt that shows you bought it 3 years ago.

Secondly, there are all those lots now with digital parking meters. They can be so confusing that before people park, they have to log onto the Sylvan Learning Center website for help with the math.

So I investigated.

"How is the parking situation in Rye? Terrible," said Kelly Bradley, a nanny in the area. "I find there are a limited number of spaces. Especially when I bring the kids into town. Most of the places I seem to park say that you have 15 minutes! And if I'm in a store or Starbucks and I'm in there for 16, I'm just terrified. I always think, as I'm paying for a muffin and hurrying out, I'm going to see a ticket on my car. Or a tow truck. They don't give you give you much leeway, time-wise here. It's pretty unfair."

Bradley's friend Jen Rempe nodded sagely.

"I can't tell you how many $20 fines I've gotten here in the past few years. And even with a little kid in tow and I'm clearly rushing back to the car, there's not much mercy. Occasionally, the cops will give you a break. And make the ticket $10. But good luck talking your way out of it altogether."

She looked over at the adjacent store Lester's where parking is free-For Customers Only!

"Look at those people fleeing to their cars," said Rempe, also a nanny. "They look like fugitives running from the scene of the crime. No one should have to rush like that."

Interestingly enough, I got some facts (and a bit of history) from Rye's Police Commissioner, William R. Connors. Despite the conspiracy theories of these two level-headed women, Connors claims there's been no significant increase in fines in the past two years.

According to Commissioner Connors, "Parking enforcement is handled primarily by two employees in the title of Parking Enforcement Officer and School Crossing Guard. There were no changes in the staffing level of that position."

"In 2010, we issued 11,829 tickets for parking violations," he said. "In 2011, it was 11,930."

It's true that this is not a significant increase. Then again, recent stats show that there are 15,092 people living in Rye. The ratio of tickets-to-citizens seems to me to be a bit high; the parking patrol might want to slow down. Barring that, maybe someone from that group of 3000-plus people who didn't get any tickets, can hold a seminar or something. And tell us how you did it.

So we may all be getting a little hyped on the topic. The numbers haven't really risen. No one is out to get us. Not you, anyway. I think after this piece, I may have to park in New Rochelle for a while and walk into town. Otherwise, I'm afraid I may get enough citations to make up for about 10 people. And I don't think those citations will be for bravery.