A new vehicle towing ordinance is under consideration, and residents will have a chance to voice their opinion before it is sent for a Board of Commissioners vote on Aug. 19. It places a cap on charges of towing companies who have contracts with the city.
According to West New York Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega, the prices in the ordinance are not meant to regulate private towing services, only those requested by public agencies, such as when police remove a vehicle for parking in front of a driveway.
“I think what was happening was that towing companies were dictating pretty much what their charge was. Obviously unregulated, they’re going to take advantage of the consumer,” said Vega.
Vega added, “If somebody doesn’t want to work under those conditions, they don’t have to bid, and they don’t have to try to gain the contract with the town of West New York.”
According to the first paragraph in the proposed ordinance, the township has received complaints from the public for excessive fees being charged to owners of automobiles not covered by the current towing ordinance.
West New York has one towing company currently used for services initiated by the township, John’s Main Auto Body, known to many simply as “Main Towing.” Harry Smith, owner of the company, did not respond to a request to verify prices.
Hours and fees redefined
Prices in the current ordinance are not specific as to the type of vehicle towed or the exact hours of a day, night, or weekend. The proposed ordinance defines days as 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and nights as 6 p.m. to 8 a.m. A higher charge is established during nights and on weekends.
“I think what was happening was that towing companies were dictating pretty much what their charge was.” – Mayor Silverio “Sal” Vega.
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Winching fees can be expensive if a car needs to be dragged out of a ditch, but if it’s parked in a place where there’s not that much effort, some companies still sometimes charge high fees.
Trucks and motorcycles will be charged a higher rate than a car.
If the towing company has to tow a municipal vehicle or police car, the city will be charged $23 if taken to a location in West New York and $28 if towed outside of West New York.
For storage fees, the current ordinance allows for $25, while the proposed ordinance mandates that cars not be charged for the first 24 hours. Thereafter, a fee of $12 per day can be assessed.
The proposed ordinance mandates that any company violating the terms of the ordinance twice in one year will have their license to operate a tow vehicle or towing services in West New York suspended for six months.
To view a copy of the ordinance and find more information, the West New York clerk’s office can be reached by calling (201) 295-5090.
The new towing ordinance will be considered for final passage on Aug. 19 at noon at the Commission Chambers in the municipal building in West New York.
Melissa Rappaport may be reached at mrappaport@hudsonreporter.com