Shopping malls hitting consumers with parking charges

SportsShopping malls across the country are now charging for premium parking places.SOPA Images/LightRocket via GettShopping malls across the country are now charging for premium parking places.USA Today reports parking at the mall in Wayne, New Jersey, is free, but the “preferred” section are $2.45 for the first hour and $2 for every hour after that. The cap is $10.45 a day.According to the report, this is unique to New Jersey. The following also have premium parking:Mall St. Matthews in Louisville, Kentucky The Valley Plaza Mall in Bakersfield, CaliforniaThe Northridge Fashion Center in Los Angeles The Mall in Columbia in MarylandEach of the malls is operated by GGP, a Chicago-based mall operator. Twenty-three of more than the company’s 95 properties offer “preferred” parking.“Preferred Parking is intended for those who want the convenience to not look for a spot,” Spokesperson Lindsay Kahn told USA Today said in a statement. “Whether guests are making a quick shopping trip, looking to get in and out or parking for a restaurant reservation, the program is an amenity for convenience.”Mark Heim is a senior writer who provides sports, news and trending content. He co-hosts a daily sports radio show on WNSP-FM 105.5 in Mobile. Heim has been recognized with awards for his writing, headlines and...