Huntsville, August 12, 2025
News Summary
Residents of Huntsville are voicing their frustration over unclear parking ticket enforcement by TAGGR, a private management company. Karl Kuhn’s recent $35 ticket after attending a concert has highlighted issues with confusing signage that fails to inform drivers about payment requirements. Councilman Bill Kling has criticized the misleading signs and is calling for better clarity in the parking regulations. With a significant number of tickets being issued and concerns about privacy, the city plans to reevaluate the signage in private lots to address these ongoing issues.
Huntsville Residents Report Confusion Over Parking Tickets from Private Company TAGGR
Residents in Huntsville are expressing confusion and frustration regarding parking tickets issued by TAGGR, a private parking management company. The recent issues have been highlighted by local resident Karl Kuhn, who received a $35 parking ticket after attending a Concerts in the Park event. The ticket raised alarms for Kuhn, especially due to a mismatched QR code that made it appear fraudulent.
Kuhn parked in a private lot managed by Parking Management Company (PMC) without realizing that it required payment for parking. This incident has prompted criticism from Councilman Bill Kling, who has pointed out that the current signage in these lots is unclear and does not adequately inform parkers of the payment requirements. Kling articulated that the situation feels “almost like entrapment,” emphasizing the misleading nature of the signage that he believes should clearly indicate that the lots are privately owned and require payment.
The city of Huntsville has acknowledged the need for better signage in private parking lots and is currently planning an evaluation of the existing signs. City communication director Kelly Schrimsher has stated that businesses have the right to charge for parking on private property, and Huntsville’s city code mandates specific colors and dimensions for signage that conveys parking rules and contact information.
Despite these regulations, Kling expressed concern over resident confusion, particularly for those who expect different regulations for public parking, such as free parking during specific hours. The tickets issued by TAGGR, which connects parking operators with gig workers, have been lucrative for its workers who earn $5 per ticket issued. Recently, hundreds of tickets have been issued in Huntsville, and those who do not pay their fines risk having their vehicles booted or towed.
According to reports, TAGGR has received an “F” rating from the Better Business Bureau (BBB) due to numerous unresolved complaints, in stark contrast to PMC’s “B” rating, even though PMC has not responded to allegations made by council members like Kling. There have been various reports on ticket prices, with some residents stating tickets can be as low as $32, although prices may increase later.
Kuhn expressed hesitancy in using the QR code provided with the ticket due to privacy concerns, as it prompts users to input personal information. Moreover, the management of parking in the lot switched from Bird Dog Parking to PMC in 2022, which may also play a role in the current confusion surrounding enforcement practices.
Despite the rising population in Huntsville, the parking ticket revenue has not seen a significant increase, averaging around $100,000 annually in fines. Councilman Kling is actively seeking legal clarity regarding the regulations and authority surrounding private parking operations in Huntsville, amid surrounding uncertainty that continues to affect residents.
Key Features of Huntsville Parking Issues
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Parking Issuer | TAGGR |
| Ticket Price | $35 (varies; some reports say as low as $32) |
| Company Ratings | TAGGR – F rating, PMC – B rating (BBB) |
| Ticket Enforcement | Towing and Booting for Non-Payers |
| City Revenue from Tickets | Approximately $100,000 annually |
| Signage Regulations | Specific dimensions and colors required by city code |
FAQ
What is TAGGR?
TAGGR is a private parking management company that issues tickets for parking violations in Huntsville.
Why did Karl Kuhn receive a parking ticket?
Karl Kuhn received a $35 parking ticket for parking in a private lot without realizing it required payment.
What is the controversy surrounding TAGGR?
The controversy stems from unclear signage in private lots, leading residents to feel misled and confused about payment requirements.
What steps is the city taking regarding parking signage?
The city plans to evaluate and improve the signage in private parking lots to ensure compliance with city code.
How does the parking enforcement process work under TAGGR?
TAGGR employs gig workers who issue tickets, and individuals who do not pay their tickets risk having their vehicles booted or towed.
What is the current financial impact of parking fines in Huntsville?
Despite population growth, parking ticket revenue remains steady at about $100,000 annually.
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Additional Resources
- AL.com: TAGGR Parking Ticket Issues
- Rocket City Now: City Clarifies TAGGR Tickets
- AL.com: Huntsville Parking Revenue
- Wikipedia: Parking Law
- Rocket City Mom: Trash Pandas Baseball
- Google Search: Huntsville Parking Issues
Author: STAFF HERE HUNTSVILLE WRITER
The HUNTSVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHuntsville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Huntsville, Madison County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Panoply Arts Festival, Rocket City Brewfest, and Huntsville Comic & Pop Culture Expo. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Huntsville/Madison County Chamber of Commerce and HudsonAlpha Institute for Biotechnology, plus leading businesses in aerospace, defense, and manufacturing that power the local economy such as Boeing, SAIC, and Mazda Toyota Manufacturing. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBirmingham.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Alabama's dynamic landscape.
