I feel violated. Very violated.

[dukelubas]

Anybody from Philly is familiar with George Smith Towing. I had my first run-in with them today. I parked in the lot behind Avenue North at 1600 Broad St. to run into the bank. I come out not more than 5 mins later and the rear of the Maxima is off the ground on a tow truck.

I didn't notice the signs that said you have to pay for parking which is my fault - I admit that. BUT, I do remember seeing somebody on the phone standing nearby who watched me park - so happened was the tow truck driver that hitched my car. The only way I could let him drop the car and unhook was to pay the $150 towing fee. What really makes me boil about this situation is that I would have gladly paid the parking fee right then and there as it was an honest mistake. And to top it off, he admitted he saw me park and walk away but didn't say anything to me. This is what's wrong with people.

This has really left a bitter taste in my mouth. I want to do something about this. BBB gives George Smith an F rating - not surprised. Can I call the local TV station? I can't find who owns the property so I can take up my grievance with them. I'm tempted to call the district attorney. This is extortion, plain and simple.

[max ride 41]

they'll do that $hit, just are'nt as obvious as that guy. did you get your car back and pay the fine??? to be honest, they're going to side with the tow company because your were illegally parked, cheesy way to do buisness. i'd say there's a good percentage of those guys in philly that pull that crap.

[bigpopaj369]

that sucks bro, thats just business unfortunitly everybody these days are crooked mother fornicators

[dukelubas]

I did get my car back. As soon as I handed over the money, he lowered the car and went on to the next victim. This is wrong on so many basic human principles. Crap like this is counterproductive to human progress.

[Mistertones]

I know how you feel man. I'm in philly 90% of the time. So i usually pay for parking. There's not point in trying to fight it. Just pay for the tow cost. It's the way the system works. People like us never win. I went clubbing in olde city a few weeks ago. And parked in front of Fox News. Saw a cop, he told me it was fine to park there. Get out the clubs and was hit with a 51.00 ticket for parking in a press zone which is bs. Just be aware where you park next time.

[scorpio02150]

that sucks man. At least they didnt mess up your ride. I had a 97 fully stock alty when a tow guy took my car on a flatbed. I went to pick it up, they didnt even let me see my car before hand. After I payed the fees and went to the parking lot, the front of my car was all pulled. The bumper hanging from a hair, headlights pushed into the engine bay, grill broken...of course, when I accused them of it they just denied it. So , not only did I pay to get my car out, I also had to dish out money to repair the damages. From that day on, I have a big hate for tow truck drivers.

[anomaly117]

from a tow truck driver who got lazy cuz he had to work in the rain

[DanNY]

were there a sign clearly marked that you needed to pay to park there?
if no then you can take legal action.

if yes and you just ignored it then you have no one to blame but yourself.
the tow truck driver is hired to do a job and that job is to tow cars that are illegally parked. so if you were illegally parked then he's is within his right to tow your car. IMO $150 is not too bad (compared to NYC rates)....beats you walking or taking a cab to the tow yard to recover your car.

[ampire]

Since we are on the subject of parking,

I currently live near Upenn but I go to temple and I am moving closer to temple next semester to finish off my masters degree. Any monthly parking lot rentals you guys would recommend that are fairly safe crimewise that I could walk to in under 30 minutes? I need a place to stash my maxima.


Also we need to have a philly meet at some point.

[VEvolution]

Originally Posted by anomaly117

from a tow truck driver who got lazy cuz he had to work in the rain

You couldn't do anything about it?

[rdw72777]

If the song "I fight authority but authority always wins" was written about the Philadelphia Parking Authority. Even though the towing situation is even worse. I've heard the ATm fees at the tow yards rival those found in casinos.

I dont think you can win, I walk everywhere now or park where its free. Heck, even cabs are cheaper than metered parking/towing/parking tickets.

[maximal01]

i hate the city man ha, well did it damage your front brakes? or tires draging it out like that? or did he unlock it to put it in neutral cause if he did you can sue for damages and breaking into your car, without your consent