Private parking operator agrees to pay Vt. $150,000 over 'misleading citations'
MONTPELIER, Vt. (ABC22/FOX44) – A Maine-based private parking operator has agreed to pay Vermont roughly $150,000 after the company issued 'citations' without governmental authority to do so, Attorney General Charity Clark announced.
Unified Parking Partners runs about 27 private parking areas in various parts of the state. UPP reportedly sent 'citations' to consumers over the course of four years, between 2020 and 2024. If unpaid, UPP alleged that 'citations' could impact license renewal, credit rating and more.
In a release, Attorney General Clark and her office said that 'thousands' of consumers paid off these fines, and that UPP does not have the proper authority to impact consumer credit.
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An investigation was conducted regarding UPP's possible Consumer Protection Act violations, and they have agreed to change 'misleading parking notices' in addition to paying the fine.
The company must also stop using term 'carrying any consequence it has no lawfulauthority to make,' according to an excerpt from the settlement agreement. Such language includes the terms 'citation' and 'fine'.
Attorney General Clark said she is 'pleased that this company has agreed to stop its misrepresentations.'
'Companies have a right to charge for services rendered, but not to trick consumers into paying out of fear that disputing a charge could come with consequences the company has no power to impose. The message to commercial actors is that words matter and misrepresentations carry consequences. I'm pleased that this company has agreed to stop its misrepresentations.'
Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
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