Local News

Displaced Drivers Getting Hit Where It Hurts

November 3, 2015 / 9:40 PM CST / CBS Texas

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DALLAS (CBS11) - Drivers displaced by a parking garage collapse feel they are being targeted by the City of Dallas after many started receiving parking tickets recently.
Residents at the Renaissance of Turtle Creek condos said the city had pledged to be more lenient with tickets after more than 850 drivers were left with no place to park after the collapse.

"It's like sharks swarming in the sea," said Tammy Camp, a driver who has been displaced. "I don't think that's right. I don't think that's fair."

Camp is one of the many to find parking tickets on their cars.

A drive down the surrounding streets on Tuesday showed car after car slapped with parking tickets.

"I was very upset to say the least. That's the last thing we need to worry about now," said Camp.

Some drivers even posted signs on their dashboard pleading for leniency.

"People are irritated. No one likes to get a ticket, no one likes to get towed," said Phillip Kingston, a Dallas City Council member representing District 14.

Kingston and the City of Dallas said officers this week will be targeting serious offenses like block walkways, obstructed garage entrances or any safety hazard that would impact emergency vehicles.

"If we've screwed up, then we'll try to make it right," said Kingston.

Camp feels the city did mess up and think it is making a tough time even harder for residents.

"Oh yeah I'm going to fight it. I'm going to fight it," said Camp.

Property managers at the impacted condo said they are close to releasing details about a temporary garage residents will be using. The City of Dallas said ultimately the parking issue is the responsibility of property owners.