Denver drivers ticketed $87 for parking, even with proof of payment
Five drivers in Denver, Colorado had the same distressing issue happen after parking in the same lot downtown. Despite diligently paying through a QR code, receiving an email receipt, and getting a text confirmation, Parking Revenue Recovery Services (PRRS) mailed them an $87 penalty notice for failure to pay.
To top it off, the fine print warned that unpaid bills would be sent to collections after 30 days. Fearing damage to their credit scores, many paid the $87 to make the problem go away, reports News 9.
One of the five disgruntled drivers was Mark Chapleau, an attorney practicing in the city. The first time he was ticketed, he disputed the charge by showing his credit card statement. It proved the time and the $13 fee was paid to park. PRRS quickly dismissed the charges.
However, he was sent the same letter months later when he parked in the lot again to eat at a nearby restaurant.
“My credit card statement showed that the charge went through on Saturday the 28th, so when I provided them with the evidence that I had paid for it, including my credit card charge to that parking lot, they said, ‘Well, that’s not the 27th. You must not have paid on the 27th,'” recalled Chapleau.
Parking receipts weren’t enough
Chapleau tried to contest the second ticket with a screenshot of a text message sent to him by the company’s mobile payment app, but his claim was denied.
The denial made him suspicious the company may be pressuring people to pay for a ticket they shouldn’t have been issued.
“I have very little concern about whether I’ve got to write an $87 check,” he said. “I’m more concerned that they’re doing this to a lot of people.”
All five drivers, including Chapleau, had their tickets dissolved after the outlet contacted the company about the issue. The company responded to the media’s inquiry by saying the initial denials were due to a technical glitch and apologized.
Drivers are advised to always get a receipt when paying for parking, just in case something similar happens to them. It makes it easier to dispute any charges.
