Parking lots and what bugs me

[StarSong]

if we break the length of time we stay or return within the 2 hours... .then we're issued with $100 parking fine....the supermarket all use automatic parking eyes.. so it checks the number plate as you enter, and when you leave... all to be done within 2 or 3 hours depending on which supermarket it is..

WoW!

 

[Sunny]

That doesn't bother me as much as the parking lots and garages attached to medical offices around here. The average charge is $4 for the first hour or two, then it goes up. You are not fined for staying "too long," you're just making the parking lot owner (or the corporation that owns the building?) even richer.

Why should people be charged to park for a medical appointment? No validation, of course, everyone must pay. For people who are really strained financially, this must be punitive.

 

[StarSong]

My medical group's buildings (hospital included), dentist, grocery stores, specialty stores, malls, etc., all provide unlimited free parking.

Edited to add: I rarely have to pay for parking.

 

[Sunny]

The medical buildings that impose that charge all seem to be located in the "richer" parts of the county. Most of the buildings elsewhere have free parking. I should add that this isn't only medical buildings, it's also the kind of buildings that have lawyers' offices, financial analysts, etc.

Of course, anyone who can't afford the parking or strongly objects to it always has the option to find a doctor or lawyer in another location. But what if they have a serious medical condition and want a doctor who has an excellent reputation and is located in one of those buildings that charge for parking? Most people wouldn't risk their lives by hunting for a free parking lot. They just pay it.

Of course, in those same upscale communities, you also have to pay for parking at many of the restaurants, theaters, and sports venues. (Don't get me started on the sports venues - they're in a class of their own!) But at least those things are pretty much optional. Going to the doctor, and sometimes to a lawyer, isn't always optional.

 

[Jules]

I do not like parking lots as they make me so nervous with so many cars and waiting to turn in a lane and people walking in any direction. One of our big stores, people just park their cars and go somewhere else. You go in the store and there isn't that many people compared to the cars parked outside. The store even put up a notice to not park if you are not a customer but they do anyway.

Some grocery stores have security guards taking photos of your license. Costco is among the many who are cracking down on those exceeding the posted time limit. At some you’re not allowed to walk off the property. The fine is about $85.