Among the most detested businesses, such as those in the pharmaceutical or media sectors, towing companies are likely at the top of the hate list. That said, Always Swift Towing had its contract severed with Walmart Supercenter in Portsmouth, Virginia, after oppressing a disabled customer with an exorbitant fee. The Walmart partner had allegedly charged VA resident Alison Copeland $375 for taking up two parking spaces in a handicapped spot.
“I think they were wrong,” Copeland told WAVY-TV. She explained that she was forced to double-park because someone else had parked over the line in the handicapped spot, giving her no choice. “I couldn’t sleep because of this,” Copeland griped, complaining that “it just wasn’t fair” how she was mistreated. She eventually decided to send an e-mail of her complaint to Walmart’s CEO, which resulted in store manager Jamie Cobb giving back the $375 to Copeland in cash.
Cobb also informed Copeland that Frederick Boulevard Walmart in Virginia had terminated its contract with Always Swift Towing and that the former partner was “no longer allowed on [the] property.” A handful of users on Reddit approved of this outcome, with a top comment saying that “towing companies are one of the biggest cons and ripoff business out there.” They continued that “holding your vehicle ransom” for the “outrageous fees they charge” creates “very much mob vibes” for such businesses.
However, WAVY-TV also revealed Always Swift Towing’s side of the story, with photos exposing the disabled customer to possibly be in the wrong. Clearly, “she was double-parked,” a representative said while providing pictures of Copeland’s parking mistake at the Walmart Supercenter. Multiple comments on YouTube also agreed with the towing firm, expressing how the “vehicle was clearly taking up two parking spaces.” The “pictures she showed in this video clearly show she was double parked illegally,” seconds another.
Several other commenters deemed that Copeland simply felt “entitled” and “should have known better.” One viewer quips, “You shouldn’t even have a driver’s license if you’re parking like that. 😂” “Why did she think she could take up 2 handicap spaces? Learn how to park,” mocks another. Regardless of whether Copeland is in the wrong, everyone can probably agree that $375 is an excessive penalty for a parking error.
