I parked in the James Street Market car-park, and noted that I had 2 hours to return to my car (photos attached).
I returned to see my car had been removed (I thought stolen, as I was under their 2hr limit).
After finding a security guard, they suggested it had probably been towed (which was apparently very common).
They gave me a number to call, which I did; and I was informed my car had been towed, and was in a secure facility about 7km away, and I would have to catch a taxi or uber there. This facility is owned by Cactus Towing, which is owned by a man named Daniel Myers.
I did this, and upon arriving, there was no evidence given that I had overstayed the 2hr limit. I provided evidence that I had stayed under 2 hours (1 hour and 49 minutes), yet I was refused my car unless I paid $440 to them. I was forced to pay.
I then called and emailed various parties that represent James Street Market, and I was told that the 2 hours does not apply if you (even momentarily) leave the market, despite being a customer.
Let me repeat that - if you step out of the mall, for even 30 seconds, despite being a customer, you can, and will, have your car towed.
This is opportunistic behaviour, and clearly a source of revenue for the market, as I have read that this is a very common occurrence.
No-where near the park I used was there any signs regarding their rules about leaving the premises (of which I was never more than 10 meters from the premises!), only the sign saying I had 2 hours.
James Street Market Reviews
I parked in the James Street Market car-park, and noted that I had 2 hours to return to my car (photos attached).
I returned to see my car had been removed (I thought stolen, as I was under their 2hr limit).
After finding a security guard, they suggested it had probably been towed (which was apparently very common).
They gave me a number to call, which I did; and I was informed my car had been towed, and was in a secure facility about 7km away, and I would have to catch a taxi or uber there. This facility is owned by Cactus Towing, which is owned by a man named Daniel Myers.
I did this, and upon arriving, there was no evidence given that I had overstayed the 2hr limit. I provided evidence that I had stayed under 2 hours (1 hour and 49 minutes), yet I was refused my car unless I paid $440 to them. I was forced to pay.
I then called and emailed various parties that represent James Street Market, and I was told that the 2 hours does not apply if you (even momentarily) leave the market, despite being a customer.
Let me repeat that - if you step out of the mall, for even 30 seconds, despite being a customer, you can, and will, have your car towed.
This is opportunistic behaviour, and clearly a source of revenue for the market, as I have read that this is a very common occurrence.
No-where near the park I used was there any signs regarding their rules about leaving the premises (of which I was never more than 10 meters from the premises!), only the sign saying I had 2 hours.