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Committee OKs rules to limit towing and storage fees for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles
Summary
After staff said only two local firms can handle medium- and heavy-duty tows and there are no fee parameters, the committee voted to forward proposed towing-rate rules and licensing requirements for tow operators to the full council.
Middletown — The Middletown Legislative Committee voted to forward a proposed ordinance that would set parameters for towing rates and storage fees for medium- and heavy-duty vehicles and require tow operators to hold a city tow license.
The chief of police told the committee the city formed a commercial-vehicle enforcement unit nearly three years ago and is engaging more medium- and heavy-duty vehicles. He said only two local tow companies currently have the equipment to handle larger vehicles and that no city code governs what those companies may charge when the city directs a tow.
Under the proposal, tow operators would apply annually for a city tow license, must maintain a local business presence, agree to the set fees and be available at all hours when called by police. The chief described the licensed tow list as the department’s tool for selecting a tow when the police direct removal of a vehicle; residents would still be free to choose a tow provider when the vehicle removal is their private decision.
Mister Jean Francois and other members asked about enforcement mechanics and whether insurance companies would control tows; the chief said insurance arrangements are private and the city cannot force an insurer’s preferred vendor when a resident makes the choice. Staff told the committee the draft ordinances had been reviewed by the corporation counsel.
A committee member moved the measure; Mister Massey seconded and members voted to forward the proposal to the council.
