I was out shopping yesterday. Parked the truck and was heading in and noticed the closest 2 parking spots in each row (except for the Handicapped) had signs that said "Parking reserved for fuel efficient vehicles" (or something like that).
Well, I wasn't going to let that stand without discussing it with store personnel so off to the Service Desk I go.
Paraphrased
Me: Who's idea it was to put up the signs and why?
Them: The owners of this strip mall put them up in an effort to promote "green" initiatives.
Me: How about those of us that need a truck? Do we get reserved parking at the far-away section of the parking lot?
Them: No, that would be discrimination.
Me: You don't think it's discrimination that these fuel-efficient vehicles get reserved parking up front and the rest of have to park farther away?
Them: Dumbfounded... pause. Ummm, I guess you're right.
Me: What law is there that says I can't park there?
Them: I don't know.
Me: There isn't one and anyone can park there.
Them: I guess you're right. I've never seen anyone get ticketed.
The conversation continued in a friendly, good mannered nature. I thanked them for their time, checked-out of the store and moved on to our next destinations (in the same plaza). I did make it a point to park my truck in every one of these spots along the way.
So, how would you have handled it? If I had the time to dig for and find the owner of the strip mall, I'd probably contact them and give them my thoughts. We don't go to this mall much, but now I know I can find close parking as it appears everyone else that doesn't drive a hybrid won't park there.
Well, I wasn't going to let that stand without discussing it with store personnel so off to the Service Desk I go.
Paraphrased
Me: Who's idea it was to put up the signs and why?
Them: The owners of this strip mall put them up in an effort to promote "green" initiatives.
Me: How about those of us that need a truck? Do we get reserved parking at the far-away section of the parking lot?
Them: No, that would be discrimination.
Me: You don't think it's discrimination that these fuel-efficient vehicles get reserved parking up front and the rest of have to park farther away?
Them: Dumbfounded... pause. Ummm, I guess you're right.
Me: What law is there that says I can't park there?
Them: I don't know.
Me: There isn't one and anyone can park there.
Them: I guess you're right. I've never seen anyone get ticketed.
The conversation continued in a friendly, good mannered nature. I thanked them for their time, checked-out of the store and moved on to our next destinations (in the same plaza). I did make it a point to park my truck in every one of these spots along the way.
So, how would you have handled it? If I had the time to dig for and find the owner of the strip mall, I'd probably contact them and give them my thoughts. We don't go to this mall much, but now I know I can find close parking as it appears everyone else that doesn't drive a hybrid won't park there.