Narwhal and bmunse hit the nail on the head. I always find it interesting that people get so upset when their car gets towed from a tow away zone, as if whether or not they planned on parking for 1 hour or overnight is relevant. As if the giant letters: "You will be towed" apply to everyone but them. Hell, you even knew the rate. When you parked your car, you made a choice and the $130 was the consequence of that choice. As far as the bull tactics you experienced when you were there, you have to realize that some people get really violent with tow companies. If it were my business, you would have seen a firearm as well. I would have documented every scratch and dent as well as I'll be damned if somebody's going to stick me with their own neglect as damage. As far as the rate, towing is expensive. How many people did you see working there? They all have to earn a living, too. If you think $130 towing is expensive, never buy a boat. You rack up more than that before they even get to you. One of the guys that works for me had a friend who ran out of fuel 2 miles offshore and it cost him $1100 to get towed back in. That's a tow bill. Thanks SeaTow!

You probably don't like hearing all of this, but some people (like me) depend on tow companies to keep the spaces we lease open so that we can park in them. I have no compassion for those who get towed. They can't cry victim when they get smacked for breaking the rules, and they have to learn this at some point in their life because the rest of us will (and do) get tired of carrying them (in the form of new taxes, higher premiums, fees, etc.) What they are doing is technically different than what you did, but similar enough. If the people I lease from can't make money on parking, or if my space is taken, I have nowhere to park. Neither is acceptable, and I'll move somewhere else that keeps my space clean. One time I parked behind someone who was in my space and left a nice note on their car to call me when they got there so I could let them out and park in my space - there was nowhere else to park. Instead, they did a 40 point turn, went around my Grand Wagoneer, and then knifed the sidewalls of all 4 of my 1 week old firestone tires. You want to talk about pissed?! All because then (4 years ago) I felt bad about towing them.

I agree that you learned a cheap lesson and I think if you try to look at this from the other points of view (tow company, property owner, people with rights to the spaces) you'll agree. If not, then you better not try your hand at speeding, because you will find a similar result.

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1982 Mercedes-Benz 300CD
1982 Mercedes-Benz 240D - stick