City making changes after WSMV4 Investigates uncovers booting companies operating illegally
“You can’t say I broke the rules if you are breaking the rules yourself.”
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WSMV) - Nashville city leadership said they are making changes after WSMV4 Investigates exposed issues with unlicensed booting companies continuing to operate in the city. We’ve learned the problem was more than just one company. Now, NDOT said board members will consider changing a city ordinance to keep it from happening again.
A night parked in a lot in Edgehill cost Devin Majors nearly $80 at the time. He was booted by Apex Parking Enforcement back in January. He said he was frustrated. A few weeks later, he saw our story on another company, Nashville Booting Company, operating illegally for 12 days.
“When I saw the other story, it made me outraged,” Majors said.
He was outraged because once he checked Apex out, he learned their permit had also expired more than seven months prior. That makes Apex the second company WSMV4 Investigates uncovered that has been operating illegally in Nashville.
Earlier Coverage:
“I think Metro should re-evaluate how they are working their license process,” Majors said. That’s exactly what the city is doing. After our reporting, the city told us that they’re working on a draft bill to improve the process and “reviewing booting company licenses to ensure all companies are up to date and compliant.”
Meanwhile, we talked to the owner of Apex Parking, Cliff Wharton, on the phone. He admitted to booting cars with no permit, but Wharton said customers like Majors are “still technically in violation. They technically still didn’t pay for their spot.” We pointed out to Wharton that he is in violation by not having a permit.
His response was “That’s true... And I am going to be punished for that.”
The city is forcing Nashville Booting Company to refund all customers they booted illegally. Majors hopes the city decides the same for Apex.
“You can’t say I broke the rules if you are breaking the rules yourself,” Majors said.
The draft bill as well as the complaint by Majors will be reviewed at the Metro Transportation Licensing Commission’s next meeting later this month. NDOT’s full statement can be found below.
“TLC staff is reviewing booting company licenses to ensure all companies are up to date and compliant. Staff is currently working on a draft bill for proposed changes to the booting ordinance that we plan to present to the TLC at the March meeting. Different from other sections that TLC regulates, the booting ordinance does not currently call for an annual hearing (rather only a public hearing for new applicants) and does not contain affirmative guidance on the proper action for not renewing on time, so this legislation will ensure the licensing process is aligned with other similar TLC processes.
Any complaints about booting companies or licensing issues will be heard before the Transportation Licensing Commission at their monthly meetings and outcomes will be determined by TLC members.”
Copyright 2024 WSMV. All rights reserved.
