Parking in Midtown may now lead to a longer visit than motorists intended.
Car boots have become a common alternative to towing at UF Plaza, 1702 W. University Ave., but several store owners in the area are unhappy about the change.
The Gainesville City ordinance was amended to allow booting about six weeks ago, which has allowed the increase, according to Cpl. Kevin Clinton, who heads Gainesville Police Department's towing department.
Booting began in the plaza when Gainesville Real Estate Management Co., which manages the property, contracted with Parking Solutions towing company to work the lot from 5 p.m. to 7 a.m.
However, several business owners have complaints about the practice.
"The principle of booting is fine, but the practice isn't," said Ellie Baumgartner, manager of Copper Monkey Restaurant.
When a person is booted, they won't call the company until they are ready to leave, which continues to use up the space, she said.
Stan Forron, manager of Ultimate Towing Co., who has been towing for the UF Plaza parking lot for 20 years, also disagrees with booting.
"Booting is punitive and a deterrent, and in the end doesn't solve the problem," Forron said.
Baumgartner believes the signs in the parking lot should be changed to reflect the new practice.
"If the sign says tow, then tow, it says nothing about booting on the signs," she said.
Confusion also occurs because the signs read "Ultimate Towing 24/7." While Ultimate Towing does work the lot from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Parking Solutions boots and tows at night, Baumgartner said.
Cpl. Clinton will ask the two companies to update the sign, he said.
He has received calls complaining about booting, but in every case the towing company was in the right, he said.
"I think (booting) is here to stay," Cpl. Clinton said. Rob Roche, owner of Pita Pit, Beer Pit and Relish Restaurant, dislikes customers blaming him for the booting.
"We have no control over the issue," Roche said.
Baumgartner feels that the practice of booting is not focused on helping the businesses in the area, she said.
"Parking Solutions isn't in the business of opening spaces, they are in the business of making money," she said.
Gainesville Real Estate Management Co. was not available for comment, and Parking Solutions declined to comment on record.
