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Goshen adopts tow‑truck dispatch policy giving police discretion on hazardous roadway scenes
Summary
After complaints about tow companies competing at crash scenes, the board adopted a tow‑truck dispatch and scene control policy allowing the police chief discretion to direct which provider handles hazardous roadway incidents; the policy preserves owners’ rights when vehicles are not hazards.
The Goshen Town Board on March 12 adopted a tow‑truck dispatch and scene control policy that gives the police chief discretion to designate which tow operator handles vehicles that present a hazard in the roadway.
Police Chief Post described repeated incidents in which multiple tow companies arrived and at times acted combatively or sought the tow by being first on scene. Chief Post said the situation has become a recurring public‑safety and officer‑safety problem. Under the adopted policy (exhibit A in the packet), the chief may direct which tow company removes a vehicle when it is blocking traffic or otherwise creates a hazard; if a vehicle is on the side of the road and not a safety risk, the owner retains the right to choose a tow provider.
The board discussed business impacts for tow companies and emphasized that being on the town’s tow list is a privilege that requires acceptable performance. The resolution was moved and seconded, and a roll call vote approved the policy.
