ATLANTA — Parking in Atlanta could become less confusing for drivers under a proposed ordinance the Atlanta City Council is set to consider Tuesday.
The proposal from Atlanta City Councilmember Jason Dozier has been dubbed the “Parking Bill of Rights” and would require parking companies to provide customers with important information before they park, including rates, rules and payment options.
“As parking technology continues to change, I think parking customers should have clear information about what they’re being charged, how to get help, and how to challenge a penalty,” Dozier said.
The proposal was developed with input from drivers and the parking industry. It would also require disclosures about the use of license plate readers and other privacy considerations.
Dozier said one of the biggest problems with parking in the city is that drivers can encounter different requirements depending on which company operates a lot.
“It’s a very inconsistent experience for people when you try to park to go to a brewery or an office building, or go to a dentist; different parking vendors have different rules and have different standards about how they post fees,” Dozier said.
He said providing that information upfront could help drivers spend less time searching for a place to park.
“We’re just trying to make it easier for people to understand what’s going on due to types of business and commerce in our city that we need them to be doing, and honestly spend less time in the car, if you know what you’re getting into upfront you don’t have to keep circling the block trying to find the best deals or best opportunities,” Dozier said.
Dozier described the ordinance as a consumer protection measure as new technology changes how privately owned parking facilities operate across Atlanta.
“By requiring notice, by letting you know up front what parking costs are, how to dispute charges, and whether or not you’re being surveilled through technology. This is serving as consumer protections legislation,” Dozier said.
If approved, the new requirements would have to be fully implemented within 180 days.
The proposal follows a new statewide law that took effect earlier this year providing Georgians with additional protections against improper and predatory vehicle booting practices, including requiring booting operators to obtain a permit from the state.
WSB Radio’s Ashley Simmons and Veronica Waters contributed to this story.
