Be Careful Where You Park!

It’s no secret that parking downtown is at a premium.  For many of us, this is why we choose to scoot; it’s easier to find parking when you’re a scooterist.  But be careful not to park where you’re not supposed to, especially when it’s on private property.

According to this column by The Seattle Times’ Danny Westneat, a fellow on Capitol Hill took a chance an parked in an apartment parking lot where he didn’t have permission to do so.  He gambled that no one would notice, since he didn’t plan on being around long.  Unfortunately, he figured wrong, and when he returned to his truck, it had been towed.  He went to the the towing company, Citywide Towing, figuring on a $200 fee.  Imagine his surprise when he was socked with an $800 bill!  It turns out that while towing and impound fines and fees when you’re towed from Public property are regulated by the City, if you’re removed from private property, anything goes!

This story has generated a firestorm of controversy, and the Mayor’s office is looking into new regulations on towing companies that do business in Seattle.  But until then, be careful where you park!

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