BEWARE: Old Port Parking Scam !!!

Question

How many others got caught in this predatory parking scam in many of the parking lots in old port?

We were taking the ferry to peaks island for 8 hpurs, Pulled in to one of the parking lots at the port (the ferry parking was full) Went to the pay kiosk and it said parking 0 - 2 hpurs cost $17.00 and every hour beyond that was $8.00 plus a 10% service fee. So to reserve 8 hours cost $88.00

outrageous fee to begin with but I accept4ed that.

When we arrived back at 8 minutes past the planned timout for our parking paid, there was a citation on our windshield saying parking past due with a charge of $63.00. With a reduction to $43.00 if we paid in 3 days.

Total bill then = $131.00 for 8 hours and 10 minutes....penalized 63$ for 10 minutes late.

Non of the rates were posted and no information about this "$63 penalty"were posted for consumers to be aware.

it appears their system is set to print out a "citation the second you time out on the meter...guaranteed to get every parked car for overdue.....if even 1 minute......

The citation is made to look like an official city citation in every way but it is a private company.

Please share if others have experienced this scam and beware to others

Answer

It sounds like you've had a frustrating experience with parking in Portland's Old Port area, and unfortunately, this type of predatory parking practice has been reported by others as well. Many people have encountered similar issues where parking rates and penalty charges are not clearly disclosed, leading to unexpected fines. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ve described and some additional context to help others avoid this situation in the future.

The Parking Issue: From what you’ve shared, it appears the parking system in this lot is designed to create confusion and generate revenue through fines. The rates for parking were not fully explained, and the penalty for being just a few minutes late seems overly harsh. This is unfortunately a tactic used by some private parking operators to generate additional fees. They often fail to clearly post all the terms, such as the hefty $63 penalty for even a minute of overtime, which can feel like a bait-and-switch.

Lack of Transparency: It’s common for parking operators to hide fees or make them difficult to see. In your case, the $63 penalty for being just 10 minutes over your time is excessive, and the fact that no clear information was posted about this penalty is deceptive. Make sure to thoroughly check for any small print or hidden charges when using parking lots in unfamiliar areas.
Private Parking Lot Citations: It's important to note that while these citations may look like official city tickets, they are actually issued by a private company. This can make the situation even more confusing, as they aren’t governed by the same rules as municipal parking tickets. These private companies often use aggressive tactics to collect fines, including threatening to send tickets to collections or increasing the fee if not paid promptly.
Other Parking Lots: This issue isn’t unique to your lot—there have been reports from others who’ve been caught in similar situations across the Old Port area. If the ferry parking is full, it may be wise to explore other options, such as street parking or even parking further away and using public transportation to avoid the inflated costs of private lots.

What You Can Do: If you're facing this kind of citation, here are a few things you might consider:

Dispute the Citation: If you feel that the penalty is unfair and the terms were not clearly posted, you may want to dispute the citation with the company. Be sure to gather evidence, such as photos of the parking signs or lack of clear communication about penalties.
Report to the City: Even though this is a private company, the city may still have oversight on their practices if they are affecting the public in such a significant way. It’s worth filing a complaint with the local government or consumer protection agency to raise awareness of the issue.
Explore Alternative Parking: If you plan to park near the ferry terminal in the future, try using a parking app or researching other lots that might offer more transparent pricing with clear terms. Additionally, some lots near public transportation might offer cheaper rates, or you could consider parking further away and using a ride-share service to reach your destination.

Unfortunately, this kind of “gotcha” pricing is becoming more common in popular tourist areas. However, by being aware of these practices and researching parking options in advance, you can avoid falling into these traps. Hopefully, sharing your experience will help others avoid similar situations in the future. Thanks for bringing attention to this issue, and best of luck next time you visit Portland!

BEWARE: Old Port Parking Scam !!!

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