City clamps down on parking boots

ALBUQUERQUE (KRQE) - Albuquerque City councilman Isaac Benton will introduce new city ordinances to regulate private companies from booting cars in their parking lots.

The new proposals include:

• Placing at least two visible signs that cars will be booted, what the cost is for removing boots and a 24/7 telephone number for the booting service
• Companies must remove a boot within an hour
• They can charge no more than $75
• Private lots that boot must provide patrons with parking stubs so they can prove when and how much they paid

Benton said he's proposing the changes because city hall has received numerous complaints that cars are being unfairly booted.

If companies violate the laws, they could face fines up to $100.

Most people we spoke with who park downtown like the idea of the proposed changes.

"I think they should put signs up and let people know that if you park here, you'll get booted," said Stephanie Burmeister.  "I think they need to be quicker about it because people have places to go."

The ordinances will be introduced at Monday's council meeting. Benton hopes they will come up for a vote before the full council in about one month.