(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — The Chicago City Council's Traffic Committee has voted to approve a new measure to help rid neighborhoods of seemingly abandoned cars.
North Side Alderman Andre Vasquez (40th Ward) said the ordinance passed by the City Council Traffic Committee would allow police to more quickly ticket and tow cars left on city streets, often for sale.
Vasquez says the problem is all the cars parked on residential streets with no license plates.
“We found that it was challenging to address the situation of vehicles that are being parked in parking spots that don't have license plates on them because you can't ticket them as the tickets go nowhere.
They don't go to a new owner. You can't find the current owner.
Current law only allows cars to be ticketed and towed if they aren't moved within seven days. Some sellers just move them a bit. The new law, says 14th Ward Alderwoman Jeylu Gutierrez, would let cars without plates be towed more quickly.
“We all know that it's unlawful to sell vehicles in a public way. Loopholes have allowed some individuals to exploit the system. Day in and day out, my office receives calls and 311 requests for abandoned vehicles.
This measure will free up parking spaces for neighborhood people to use. The ordinance now goes to the full Council.
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