... Extra steps put tow operators at risk ... One Truck at a Time A tow operator in North Bend, Ore., has been advised by the planning commission that he cannot park more than one of his tow trucks at a time outside his home. Neighbors of North Bend Towing began complaining of heavy tow-truck traffic disrupting the residential area. The tower received a permit from the city to operate the accounting portion of his business in the residential area in 1986. That permit also allowed parking for one tow truck. In recent years he began parking a second truck at the residence. He applied for a parking permit for the second vehicle after complaints began piling up. He cited the fact that he and his son-in-law, both residents of the home, drove trucks for the company. The application was denied because the second truck gives the residential area a commercial look, which violates city codes. Source: theworldlink.com.
Scottsboro Changes Rotation Rules The Scottsboro (Ariz.) City Council approved amendments to the city’s wrecker rotation service at the request of police following questions about one of the wrecker services having dropped its insurance. The council agreed to have the police department named as a second party on a wrecker service company’s liability insurance, which will aid the police department in knowing if the wrecker services are keeping insurance. With the council’s approval, the police department will now be able to investigate allegations of unreasonable charges. There are currently four local wrecker services on the police department’s rotation. Source: thedailysentinel.com
Houston Implements Tow Search System Houston (Texas) police recently rolled out their Towed Vehicle Reporting Management System, an online search mechanism for citizens to locate a vehicle that has been towed to an impound lot in a nonconsent scenario. The TVRMS allows police to manage towing operations and have a central location for citizens to use when trying to locate their towed vehicle. It is expected that the system will streamline all aspects of the towing process in the Houston area allowing an easier method for owners to search for information about their vehicle. Once the search is initiated, the system will tell the owner where their vehicle is being stored and the approximate fee and rate to be paid upon pickup. There is a section of the site dedicated to towing companies who wish to apply, such as: Tow Truck Company Application, Booting Company Application, and Storage Lot Application. Source: www.findmytowedcar.com.
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