CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Chicago City Council is considering a crackdown on what’s been described as an “out-of-control” towing industry.
The City Council’s Committee on License and Consumer Protection did not vote Wednesday on the proposed ordinance that would require a $250 license for every truck a towing firm operates and licenses for locations where towed vehicles are stored.
During a Chicago City Council committee hearing, the proposed ordinance sponsor, Alderman Gilbert Villegas, said the industry is out of control.
"This is an effort to tackle an industry that’s just been out of control. Wild, wild west. Second-worst in the country...At a time when people are being taken advantage of, this is not the time to hesitate...We need to get this done," he said.
He wants to end what he calls abusive practices from rogue tow operators.
In addition to the licenses, under the ordinance tow trucks would not be able to show up unsolicited at crash scenes.
Business Affairs and Consumer Protection Commissioner Rosa Escareno said there are “rampant” abuses by “rogue” towing companies that are taking “advantage of rattled vehicle owners,” essentially holding towed cars for ransom.
"Owners are often forced to pay thousands to recover their vehicles. And in many cases, the vehicles may be left in random locations, difficult for our investigators to locate,” Escareno said.
According to Sgt. Keith Blair of the Chicago Police Department’s Major Auto Theft Unit, many rogue tow-truck drivers monitor police and fire department radio frequencies, often beating first responders to the scene.
The ordinance also would prohibit certain acts, such as:
• Stopping “at or near” an accident scene or near a damaged or disabled vehicle to solicit the vehicle owner unless summoned to the scene by law enforcement, other city or state agencies or the vehicle owner or his or her representative.
• Making any false, misleading or threatening statements to the vehicle owner for the purpose of coercing the owner to engage the operator’s towing services, such as claiming to be affiliated with a government agency or insurance company that would cover the towing cost.
• Holding a towed vehicle against the owner’s will until the motorist agrees to pay a “ransom” fee that amounts to thousands of dollars to release it.
The proposed ordinance was tabled until next month, while some details are sorted out.
Related
