Do you still have to pay it? If it’s a private meter my first thought is that non-payment becomes a civil matter and in that case you likely can get away without paying.

I get “civil speeding tickets” (traffic cameras) all the time in my state. I simply throw them away without repercussion because the cost of suing to collect from every individual who hasn’t paid just isn’t worth it. Not sure if it applies in this case but in my state these also cannot legally be reported to credit agencies or insurance companies.

If this is not the case and the city is criminally prosecuting people (with taxpayer resources) to enforce private debts owed to the meter company, there’s a good chance a court would find the practice to be illegal. At least I hope that’s how it would turn out…