1 week Ago By Michael Golson
A DRIVER has been left with a hefty bill after a mixup at a parking garage, and now he’s struggling to get his money back.Steven Livings, a Detroit Tigers fan, was over-charged while parked downtown on Friday for their opening day win over the Chicago White Sox. A Detroit Tigers’ fan was left with a hefty bill after a bizarre mixup at a parking garageA parking lot was supposed to charge $50 an hour for parking, but he was charged a bizarre total of $472.
50Livings said he parked in a lot that said $50 parking, but was then charged a head-scratching $472.50.Speaking to FOX2 Detroit, Livings said he was stunned when he received a message informing him of his parking charges.
Livings said: “When we left the game and went to the parking structure, I got a text message saying that it was $472.50 for my parking stay.”“I was pretty distraught about it because you weren’t thinking you were gonna spend $50 an hour – when it was $50 for the event.
”Livings had no choice but to pay the fee, leaving him out of a lot of money.He added: “Unfortunately, you scan that QR code, it automatically takes your debit card or your credit card, and as soon as you pull out of that parking structure, it automatically pays for you.”“Their call center said they had a few people call stating that they also had the same issue.
”Naturally, he’s now contesting the charges and trying to reach some resolution with Metropolis – the company that owns the parking structure.He said: “So I finally got a hold of somebody after, I believe it was like almost 24 hours, and they called me back saying that they’re gonna look into the investigation because they are not locally there.“They didn’t know what happened, and they would call me back within 72 to 48 hours.
” A company representative later revealed the event rate is $50 a day – but that rates are subject to change.This comes as a parking space in Boston has gone on the market for a bonkers $750,000 – with the seller forced to explain the reasoning behind its “exclusive” pricing.The hot piece of real estate, located in the Brimmer Street Garage in Boston‘s affluent Beacon Hill, is just a stone’s throw away from some 50 home properties currently listed at over $1 million apiece.
Sized at 9′-by-18′, the space is roughly priced the same as a median home in the city.But listing agent Rene Rodriguez of Cabot & Company believes the price is justified – with the windfall paying for more than just a square of concrete.Speaking to NBC Boston, he said: “It’s an exclusive valet parking space, the garage is staffed, there are six or seven attendants here at all times.
“In addition to parking your car for you, they also offer concierge services.”That service includes guest parking, gas fuel-up, car washing, and more – but all at an extra cost on top of the monthly maintenance fee.How to fight a parking ticketYou can avoid being ticketed by following all posted laws and ordinances, but sometimes mistakes are madeLike any form of citation, parking tickets are preventable by reading and obeying posted signage.
However, when visiting a new city, or state, or in a hurry, things can be missed and mistakes are made.Suddenly there’s a ticket you weren’t prepared to pay for. If the ticket is a surprise to you, there are a few things you can do to help your case when appealing a parking ticket.
Carefully read the ticket. Look for errors like incorrect street names, license plate numbers, vehicle make and model, time and date, etc. Errors would then make the ticket invalid.
Take photos. Of the vehicle in the parking space, lack of signage, or other vehicles that weren’t cited for performing the same parking job. If the ticket involves parking too close to something like a fire hydrant, a photo showing a reasonable distance would help your case.
Make sure metadata with the time and date are accessible. Signs that are obstructed by trees, or are on bent posts, or aren’t “obvious” are great things to photograph, too.Make sure the statute that was violated is listed on the ticket.
If not listed, the ticket is not valid.Promptly follow the appeal instructions on the ticket. All legitimate tickets will have directions for appeal.
Waiting until the very last moment weakens your argument and can result in late fees.When in court, avoid these phrases as they reduce your credibility and weaken your argument:“I didn’t know the law.”“I was on my way to move my car.
”“I can’t afford this ticket.”“I’ve been doing this for years.”“I checked with the parking officer, who said it was OK.
”Contact a lawyer. If you’re running into roadblocks and feel stuck, it may be best to reach out to a traffic lawyer in your area. Many have free case consultations.
Source: Reader’s Digest.
