Tow-truck drivers looking to haul off cars illegally parked in private and public lots will face added scrutiny under an ordinance discussed Tuesday by Wilkes Barre, Penn. city council, requiring companies to be licensed and conform prices with a city-mandated list.
"We're just trying to protect our residents from some possibly unscrupulous practices," said council Chairman Bill Barrett, who pushed for the law. "It's a business, and we're mainly focused on the non-consensual part."
If approved, towing companies would register with the Code Enforcement Office and pay $300 for a license, which would be renewed annually, according to a draft of the ordinance. There would be five classes of vehicles, ranging from less than 5,000 pounds up to 80,000 pounds, with maximum fees covered under the law.
The ordinance also imposes maximum fees towers can charge for removing vehicles from private property, ranging up to $125 for a vehicle weighing 10,000 pounds. For tows requested by the city, a company could charge $175, the fee for hauling off a 5-ton vehicle from an accident.
It would also forbid the towing of a car unless the property owner signs a form authorizing the removal of that specific vehicle. If they violate the ordinance, a tow-truck operator risks a fine between $300 and $600 or the loss of their license. Source: citizensvoice.com
