It seems like such a civilized solution: you go out to dinner or a party and instead of driving around and around and around searching for a spot, and you just pay a valet to park your car.
But our investigation found some valet parkers may be parking cars illegally, and getting away with it.
Arthur Gast, victim"Someone should get stung for this."
Arthur Gast and his family say valet parkers in Boston ruined their night out on March 28th. The Gast's say they gave their car and keys to a valet at a Back Bay garage. Months later, the Plymouth couple was shocked by this violation notice from the city of Boston saying on March 28th their car had been illegally parked in a crosswalk at this Newbury street corner. The Gast's insist: the parkers did it.
Arthur Gast, victim"They had care custody and control of the car and they took it and used it for something else."
With fines and late fees, the notice said: the Gast's owed 113 dollars!
Arthur Gast, victim"It was a little bit of a shocker."
Nicole of Worcester entrusted her car to valets at a local club and went to celebrate her birthday. Months later she got a violation notice saying that night her car had been parked illegally in this handicapped spot! Her bill with fines and late fees: $240.
Nicole, victim"I just screamed a little bit, and I was really upset."
Of course they complained to the parking companies, but they got the same answer: we didn't do it and we refuse to pay the ticket. The Gasts did have their restaurant receipt, and Nicole got this affidavit from the club manager saying she had used the service. Outraged, both thought they had a slam dunk case for a parking ticket dismissal. But at their city halls they got more bad news. They had to pay!
Hank Phillippi Ryan "Ultimately whose responsibility is it?"
Daniel Nuzzo, Boston Transportation Department "The vehicle owner is responsible for the ticket."
In Boston the Transportation Department oversees businesses that hire valet parkers. And they will investigate complaints. But in other communities, like Worcester, there's no regulation, so you're on your own.
Elvira Guardla, Worcester Parking Administrator"It's a similar situation if you lend your vehicle to a your brother or a friend."
City officials admit this happens from time to time. And that can leave valet customers at a dead end.
Nicole, victim"I don't think it's fair."
Officials only advice: in case of a dispute, you've got to have proof. So keep your valet receipts, that's your best ammunition if you wind up with a parking problem.(Copyright (c) 2009 Sunbeam Television Corp. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)