KTRK-13’s Jeff Ehling reports that some private parking lots downtown have begun placing boots on vehicles when the parking fee isn’t paid:
The boot is a relatively new tool Houston parking lot operators are using on violators. The practice of booting is so new there are no city regulations in place. While this lot has signs that tell consumers what will happen if they park without paying, it’s not required and the price to remove a boot is not controlled either. In Dawson’s case it cost $100 to have the boot removed.
“There is a lot of concern and some awareness of the changes that are going on within the private parking industry,” said Public Parking Commission Bob Eury.
Bob Eury is a member of Houston’s public parking commission. He says the city is looking at immobilizing boots. One issue being considered, a place consumers can go if they feel their cars were booted improperly.
“That is an issue and there are issues like that that, that I know the city is looking at,” Eury said.
The rules being considered are similar to those that regulate towing. Things like proper signs and a phone number consumers can call. If you think you’re towed by mistake, you can head to tow court. And if a judge rules in your favor, the bill is thrown out.
Right now, none of these rules exist for the boot. The city of Houston has a parking boot draft ordinance, but it could be some Time before the draft ordinance becomes law.
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