NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WKRN) — Although there are plenty of boots in Music City, you won't see any on cars.
That's thanks to a state law stemming from concerns over "predatory practices," and the boots can't come back unless Metro Council votes to legalize them again.
"I just think it's awful and also double dipping," Nashville visitor, Makeya Miller, said. "If you've already paid not to get a ticket, why get a boot?"
Several people in downtown Nashville recounted stories of walking up to their cars after they had paid to park to discover the surprise no one wants — a boot. Franklin resident Sydney Eddy told News 2 that getting a boot led to a long night
“We waited for like two hours [and] didn't get home until like probably one in the morning,” Eddy added.
While Nashville mayor Freddie O'Connell said that parking discussions are taking place at the local and state level, as of publication, there are no concrete plans about a return to previous booting practices.
“I think booting seems like a somewhat aggressive approach to somebody who may just be going to a show, for instance," O'Connell said. "But I've also seen — I say this from having represented downtown — people who may find a spot and basically claim it as theirs and it may be something that the same car is in a place that should be turning over that's there for days or weeks. I feel like there are a lot of approaches here."
Nashville resident Maureen Geagan said that she feels like the key is finding common ground. She said that incentives to people who return to their cars on time could be a better solution.
“A restaurant could be taking longer than normal to get their food done and these things you can't just get up and walk away from," Geagan said. "Of course people are going to be late sometimes and there should be some consideration."
News 2 spoke with the owner of Parking Authority, which was nearly put out of business with the new law. By phone, she pointed out that some people spend hundreds of dollars per month for their spots, and there are solutions like boots patrons can remove themselves after paying a fee.
Yet, others say they hope vehicle boots have hit the dusty trail for good.
“Your wife could be pregnant and you got to rush to the hospital; you come outside [and] there's a boot on the car — that's a hassle,” visitor Marcus Scott said.
O’Connell added that city leaders have had discussions about musicians who work downtown and need somewhere to park.