Many people in part of the city surrounding the Nationals stadium were caught in a confusing web of tough new parking rules.

"I woke up this morning to go to work and my car was no longer there." Paula Jennings never thought a visit to a friend's house near the Nationals ballpark, during Sunday's home opener, would cost her a ticket and a tow. "It's unfair, but what can you do?"

Jennings' car was one of 103 vehicles towed over the weekend within a newly created parking zone that encompasses dozens of blocks around the stadium.

Jeff Gannon said he confronted an aggressive city tow truck driver who was trying to leave with a neighbor's car that was legally parked. City officials admit a number of properly parked cars were improperly ticketed. "They are virtually making it up as they go along."

Under new rules, residents who live in the new zone need a special sticker to park legally and visitor parking is greatly restricted.

If you are going business in the area, like Tam McCrae, who was also ticketed Sunday, you'll have to find a meter. "I don't understand the method to the madness."

The restrictions are designed to decrease congestion and protect resident spots while encouraging fans to take public transportation to Nats games. But Paula Jennings, from Prince William County (web|news), had no idea she was breaking the law.

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