Drivers furious after receiving $30 tickets at mall in parking confusion – nobody knew they had done anything wrong

DRIVERS visiting a popular mall have been left baffled after being handed $30 parking tickets with no clear explanation.

The parking lot has implemented a new high-tech security measure, which had some shoppers struggling.

Visitors to the West Side Market in Cleveland, OH, have reported being hit with tickets despite not thinking they’d do anything wrong.

Several told Cleveland.com that the penalties had been handed out due to alleged non-payment.

The mall has introduced a new “gateless” monitoring system for its parking lot, which seems to be the source of the confusion.

Under the new rules, which mall operators CPMC say is designed to reduce congestion, parking is now paid for online rather than at a barrier booth.

Drivers are required to scan a QR code or text the number listed on the signage with their registration and the amount of time they expect to park there.

The first 60 minutes are free during the market’s operating hours, with an hourly rate of $1.50 up to a maximum of $12 thereafter.

If you overstay your time, you are sent a text with the option to buy a longer stay.

But it seems that some customers have fallen foul of the system without even realising, prompting CPMC to make some changes.

Rosemary Mudry, the firm’s executive director, said: “We are grateful to our customers for the feedback they’ve shared over the last few months.

“We’re thankful to the customers who have adopted our new parking system, and we believe implementing several key updates will make the parking process smoother for all visitors to the Market.

“We know from customers and market merchants that the gateless parking system has alleviated frequent and serious traffic concerns.

“We understand there are opportunities for a smoother operation with this new system, however, and that is why we’ve been working with our lot operator to address the challenges customers have faced.”

These changes include:

• Installing a new card payment kiosk for those uncomfortable or unable to pay by phone.
• Improving signage from November 18 to explain the rules more clearly and visibly.
• Sending warnings rather than fines to first-time offenders over the holidays as shoppers get used to the new system.

Ms Mudry added: “The change didn‘t come in a vacuum, we‘re excited that we have the kiosks and signage on the way that will make a big difference.”