ATLANTA — Coming out of a restaurant or store and seeing a boot on your car could be a thing of the past.
A Georgia state lawmaker introduced a bill that would ban companies from putting boots on cars that are illegally parked.
“Actually, about two weeks ago, I went out to dinner and we came to the car and there was a boot on the car,” said DeAnna Gresham.
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It’s a situation Gresham still can’t believe happened.
“The thing about it, we were only about 10 minutes late,” said Gresham.
But Gresham said there was no grace period. Her new car had two parking boots on it. Gresham said it’s not only an inconvenience but also a safety concern.
“When you get out to your car and it’s already been booted, you have to wait until they can come un-boot your car. You have to, then, pay...so now you’re exposed, your purse is out, money is out,” said Gresham.
Georgia State Senator Josh McLaurin represents District 14 and he introduced Senate Bill 247.
If passed, it would get rid of booting on cars, altogether and fine $1,000 to violators.
“My intention is to do a statewide ban on booting by anybody. Local governments, businesses, people,” said McLaurin.
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Jeff Phillips with Advance Booting Services said this is not the way to go.
“They’re basically putting booting out of business is what they’re doing. What they’re going to end up with is a massive amount of increase of private property towing,” said Phillips.
But McLaurin said that’s not the case.
“It’s too easy to boot. With towing, it’s expensive for everybody. You have to really be sure that a car doesn’t belong. There’s other alternatives to towing, like ticketing that’s less invasive,” said McLaurin.
Phillips with Advance Booting Services said his employees wear body cameras when they’re out in the field for safety reasons. They also record phone calls.
As for the bill, it’s getting support on both sides of the aisle.
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