They left an event at the Qwest Center on a cold night only to find their car gone, not a welcoming feeling for two couples who traveled to Omaha from out of town.

A private lot at 9th and Capitol near the arena has a dozen signs warning that violators will be towed, but Bruce Pauley says that doesn't mean the lot is well marked.

“That sign is rotating so you can't see it when you pull in, but if you are visiting and not looking for signs you're not going to see them." Pauley, his wife and another couple from Woodbine, Iowa found their ride home had been towed away by Heartland Towing.

“Look around before you leave your vehicle, make sure it's not marked anywhere,” says Heartland Towing’s Mondo Lett. “I wouldn't take the chance."

Pauley says the $187 tow fee gave a new meaning to car pooling. "We pooled our money together and was able to pay it." The $150 cash charge plus administrative and storage fees are what the city allows.

“I'd be the same way if my car got towed," says Lett. "I'd be upset paying $187 to get it back, but it would be my own fault parking where I shouldn't."

A legislative bill would not only require towers to properly mark lots, but also limit the basic tow charge to $100 statewide. “We'd get by because we do quite a few towaways," says Lett.

"Maybe make the owner of the lot or towing company more accountable," says Pauley. The property owners and their towers say this lot is well marked, though Pauley isn't so sure.

The manager of Heartland Towing says about a half-dozen cars were towed from that private lot during the recent Home Show. Although he believes it's properly marked, the manager will check the lot to see if more signs are needed or relocated to ensure drivers can see them.