During a trip to San Antonio, to attend my nephew’s birthday party, I parked in a private parking lot owned by Hospitality Parking. This petition is regarding the practices of Hospitality Parking and the agencies involved. 
  Hospitality Parking and their partners utilize predatory practices to take advantage of unwitting visitors, tourists, and the community.  I found a parking spot for 5 dollars similar to the parking at the central library.  
      After visiting with my family I went back to the lot and my car was gone. But where? Was it stolen? No, it had been towed. I was unaware the 5 dollars only covered 1 hour. The sign does not specify the allotted amount of time that the 5 dollars would cover. The ticket was unclear and the word “expired” was in fine print at the bottom.
     On the sign in the parking lot towing is the last and most severe action they may take against anyone. When we were at the lot 2 tow trucks were running and waiting to tow the next vehicle. 
   Typically, parking lots add additional fees for exceeding the allotted amount of time. That is standard practice for most lots in San Antonio. The policies of Hospitality Parking are stated in the sign, but there is no time limit specified or clearly stated anywhere. Having a clearly stated time limit displayed in the lot would have prevented my car from being towed.
    Alarmingly, I was one of many whose vehicles were towed from that lot in that day. This shows there is a misunderstanding of the time allowed. 
  The 5 dollar sign with no time limit stated draws many people to the lot. Hospitality Parking and the tow company work together to take advantage of patrons and they are able to do this because of the unclear time limit. They are quick to tow vehicles who exceed the time limit despite other options available and listed on their sign. 
  To get my car back I had to travel across town to the VMS storage facility. Thankfully, I had a ride. I can not imagine how that walk would have been for a family. I spoke with the clerk at the storage facility and made her aware of my situation. My only option given was to pay $221 to have my car released or pay a daily $35 dollar storage fee. The fee to release the car was an immense burden. Paying to release the car meant an abrupt end to my trip. I also lost the money I had saved for Christmas. 
    We are requesting Hospitality Parking live up to their name and clearly state the amount of time allowed in the lot. We are requesting they engage in fair and responsible business practices. This will ensure visitors and community members are able to enjoy their time in our city and be treated respectfully.
    Along with this petition, I will be attending a hearing to request my $221 be refunded. My car was also damaged when towed but, I had to sign a waiver, which protects the towing company from liability, in order for my car to be released.
    I follow all laws and rules. I would have never intentionally left my car over the allowed time. Based on what we witnessed, I know others have experienced this situation. I ask others to join me in making sure this does not happen to anyone else.