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Dumont bans booting on private property; towing companies urge caution
Summary
Council adopted Ordinance 1671 to prohibit booting of vehicles on private property and restrict private-property enforcement to towing; local towing industry representatives urged the council to adopt reasonable regulations and consumer protections instead of an outright ban.
The Borough of Dumont adopted Ordinance 1671 on June 9, which adds chapter 417 to the Borough Code to restrict trespass towing practices by prohibiting vehicle booting on private property and allowing towing only.
During a public comment period before the vote, Elijah Willby, who identified himself as owner of a local towing and parking-enforcement company, urged caution and asked the council to consider the practical effects on property owners and small businesses that rely on enforcement to keep parking available for customers and tenants. "Property owners...should retain the ability to reasonably control and protect their private property from unauthorized use," Willby said, urging transparency, proper signage, consumer protections and accountability if restrictions are adopted.
Councilors said the ordinance is limited to private-property booting and is intended to protect motorists from certain immobilization practices while preserving the right to tow vehicles that violate posted rules. After a brief public comment period (no further public speakers), the council waived formal reading and adopted the ordinance by roll-call vote.
Next steps: the borough will implement ordinance provisions via code enforcement and any necessary updates to permit or enforcement procedures. Councilors and staff indicated they will continue to engage stakeholders on implementation details and signage requirements.
