City Tows 18 Abandoned Vehicles Including Boats and Trailers for Destruction

During a recent meeting of the New Bedford Public Safety & Neighborhoods Committee, officials discussed ongoing efforts to manage abandoned vehicles in the city. The committee reported that a total of 18 vehicles have been towed, with 11 sent for destruction and 7 pending pickup. This week alone, two vehicles were towed from specific locations, including a boat and trailer from Summit and Maxfield.

The discussion highlighted the challenges faced by the city in dealing with abandoned vehicles, particularly regarding the towing process and the availability of storage facilities. Committee members noted that tow yards often hesitate to accept these vehicles due to the space they occupy and the difficulty in finding owners willing to retrieve them.

A member of the committee drew comparisons to practices in Hartford, where initiatives like odd-even parking helped manage vehicle congestion. This method allows parking on alternating sides of the street on different days, which could potentially encourage vehicle owners to move their vehicles more frequently. However, the committee expressed skepticism about whether such a strategy would be effective in New Bedford, given the current parking habits observed in the city.

The conversation also touched on the issue of registered vehicles that remain parked for extended periods. While some vehicles are registered, their prolonged presence on the streets poses a challenge. The committee is exploring potential solutions to address this issue, including reviewing successful initiatives from other cities.

As the meeting concluded, the committee acknowledged the need for further investigation into the towing and destruction processes, particularly regarding which companies are responsible for the destruction of the vehicles. The discussions underscored the ongoing efforts to enhance public safety and improve neighborhood conditions in New Bedford, with a focus on addressing the challenges posed by abandoned vehicles.