TITLE: Title
Discussion of Possible Changes to Towing Regulations
PURPOSE: The purpose of this agenda item is to provide the Board of Aldermen information on the concerns of the Tow Operators about the current and proposed towing regulations.
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DEPARTMENT: Police
CONTACT INFORMATION: Chief Walter Horton 919-918-7408
INFORMATION: At a past Board of Aldermen meeting, the Board asked Town staff to meet with the Towing Companies about their concerns with the current and proposed towing ordinance concerning towing from private property. Police Department staff met with the companies to discuss their issues and concerns. The towing companies provided a letter listing the following concerns:
Signage
The towing companies feel the current signage requirement is adequate. The additional requirements, in the proposed ordinance, would be costly to the property owners and towing companies. It would also increase the number and size of signs on the property, causing "sign pollution".
Limitation on Fees
The towing companies would like the proposed fees raised to assist with operational expenses. They would like to see the minimum fee charged for towing raised to $150 for customers who wish to pay with credit cards and $125 for cash paying customers. In addition, they suggested that the daily storage fee should be increased to $40 per day. The majority of owners retrieve their car within 24 hours. They would also like an annual review of the fee process to see if they need to be adjusted based on yearly operating costs.
15 Minute "Grace Period"
The concern with this restriction is how, and in what venue, this time limit will be proven. Additional concerns with this section include its apparent contradiction with state law. GS 20-219.2 covers the removal of unauthorized vehicles from private lots and requires no such "grace period" before a tow is authorized. Tow companies are further concerned that this requirement undermines the ability of property owners to control their property and legal action against the requirement is mentioned as one possible course of action.
FISCAL & STAFF IMPACT: At this time, there are no fiscal or staff impacts associated with the Board receiving the report.
RECOMMENDATION:r Staff recommends that the Board of Aldermen consider the information provided and advise how to proceed.