Update: Reading Parking Authority issued a second statement Friday afternoon: “Reading Parking Authority has resolved the issue that caused tickets to be issued in error on parking exit 2 during Taco Fest. All tickets given between 12 PM–6 PM for vehicles exiting Exit 2 of the garage have been automatically deleted. Only Exit 2 was affected. If you exited from another area, you were not impacted. We appreciate your patience and understanding.”
Original post: Multiple of attendees at Saturday’s Taco Fest in downtown Reading reported receiving $45 parking tickets after parking at the South Penn Garage, despite multiple announcements that parking there would be free during the event.
The popular downtown festival, held on May 3, publicly advertised free parking at South Penn Garage between 12 and 6 p.m., a message that was reinforced by social media post and signage outside the garage. However, days later, many attendees began reporting citations issued by the Reading Parking Authority.
A Berks Weekly reporter also received a ticket after parking in the garage during the posted free period, but did not realize it until other attendees began reporting similar citations on social media—prompting a closer look at the issue.
The Reading Parking Authority later confirmed in a public Facebook post that the tickets were issued in error.
“Our apologies,” RPA stated in a message posted to Facebook. “During Taco Fest, some tickets were issued in error. If you received a ticket during that time, please call 484-339-4979. You do not need to come in—we’ll verify and cancel it immediately. Thanks for your understanding!”
Residents who believe they may have been affected can check their license plate number and ticket status online at: https://www.tocite.net/readingpa/portal/ticket.
