City of Dallas ensures that illegal towing won’t happen at Texas/OU game on Saturday

by PegNews wire

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If fans park in an off-site private lot or in someone’s yard, look for the official green sign that shows the owner of that property has a valid city permit.

DALLAS — Several city departments and state agencies will coordinate efforts again this year to ensure illegal towing activity that took place during the 2008 Texas-OU football game does not happen again.

The 2008 scheme involved coordination between fake parking attendants and licensed towing companies. Unsuspecting fans were flagged into private parking lots where they paid the "attendants" to let them park for the game. Towing companies then swooped in and hauled off the vehicles.

Last year, new procedures were put into place, including special permits and city-issued signs notifying fans of approved parking lots. City parking enforcement officials also work closely with the Dallas Police Department and the Texas Department of Licensing to patrol the area around Fair Park and conduct enforcement.

“We want to make sure people have a great time at the game and at the State Fair of Texas and that their vehicle is waiting for them where they left it,” said Mayor Pro Tem Dwaine Caraway, chair of the Public Safety Committee.

If fans park in an off-site private lot or in someone’s yard, they should look for the official red green sign that shows the owner of that property has a valid city permit allowing the operation of a parking lot. A "towing enforced" sign should also be visible on the property.

“Fans should consider parking inside Fair Park because it is likely less expensive than a private lot, and also think about taking DART to reduce the risk,” said Paul Curington with the Dallas Police Department’s Parking Enforcement Division.

If fans experience illegal activity or need to lodge a complaint, they can call 311 or 911 if there is an emergency.

Source: City of Dallas

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