Tue, Feb 9, 2010

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If you are off to do some shopping, be careful where you park!

WTOP Call For Action Director Shirley Rooker is here to tell us about the towing of vehicles at some malls that is costing consumers a considerable sum of money.

Do owners of shopping malls and strip malls have the right to tow vehicles from their parking lots?

Yes, they certainly can remove unauthorized vehicles. Generally, there are posted signs that state the lot is for customer use only and warns that anyone who uses the parking lot and doesn't shop at the stores will be towed. However, what consumers need to know is that people are being towed even when the stores are closed.

Business owners see the towing issue as a matter of private property rights, because potential customers who can't find a parking space because of cars that don't belong there may take their business elsewhere.

Is towing a common practice?

It seems to be more and more common. We have heard from a number of listeners with similar experiences. One complaint involved a WTOP listener who parked at a strip mall after all the stores were closed. He went to a nearby restaurant, had dinner and returned to discover his car was gone. He had to pay nearly $200 to retrieve his car. A very costly end to his evening! Another involved a man who went to a mall, had breakfast, walked across the street for a few minutes and returned to find his car being towed.

We have even had reports of residents having their vehicles towed from their apartment buildings. The cars had the proper parking stickers but were towed anyway.

What can consumers do to protect themselves?

Consumers need to be careful and make sure they are complying with the parking restrictions in the lot. Some states have laws that give some protection to consumers. However, it is important to know that these lot owners do have the right to remove unauthorized vehicles from their lots. If you are shopping at a mall and your car is towed, immediately contact the mall management, as well as the towing company.

In some instances, people with binoculars scour parking lots looking for anyone who parks and then leaves the mall property. The tow truck driver is contacted and the vehicle towed. Do not leave the premises, no matter for how brief a period.

Keep in mind, these tow truck operators work night and day, looking for cars to tow. Just because a mall is closed doesn't mean it is safe to park there.

If you feel you have been illegally towed, report the incident to the police. Also, notify the mall management and register a complaint with Call For Action.

Don't consumers have some responsibility to be sure they are parked in a lot only when they are at the business?

They sure do! In fact, we would hear from fewer people if they were a little more careful. However, there are predatory tow truck operators who work on commission and see dollar signs when they visit parking lots.

 

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