Posted on Wed, Nov 14, 2012 : 5:43 p.m.
Ann Arbor City Council to consider towing ordinance revision
By Cindy Heflin
The Ann Arbor City Council will consider changing the city’s towing ordinance at its Nov. 19 meeting, the Ann Arbor Chronicle reported.
The lot at Brewer's Towing in Ann Arbor.
Daniel Brenner I AnnArbor.com
The proposed ordinance change would allow the city to demand an owner demonstrate a vehicle is operative if it appears not to have been driven for 48 hours after being tagged, the Chronicle reported.
Earlier this year, neighbors of a couple on Shady Lane complained about vehicles parked on the street. Neighbors said they saw the couple moving a single working battery from one vehicle to another, driving the vehicles in a circle, and then parking them again in order to avoid getting towed.
Comments
brimble
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 5:22 p.m.
The 48 hour rule makes sense in Manhattan. It makes much less sense in residential neighborhoods in Ann Arbor, where we encourage people to use alternative methods of commuting, and where parking is not at a huge premium. Abandoned vehicles are another issue, but the existing rule is not the best way to manage that problem. Hopefully, Council can draft a sensible solution.
outdoor6709
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 1:33 p.m.
I find it interesting that AA.com did not talk about the couple who went on vacation and their cars were towed, but did comment on the couple who stay at home and live up to current law. The proposed change would still allow the people on vacation cars to be towed. Is not the idea of laws to fix precieved problems?
motorcycleminer
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 12:32 p.m.
Anyone who thinks that prince john and his minions will slaughter any form of one of their many " cash cows " truly is living in OZ....
grimmk
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 5:22 a.m.
I think the 48 cut off point is a little short sided. A week, that seems reasonable. Lots of people own cars but take public transportation to work, ride a bike, or walk. Or what about that family that went away on vacation and found their car gone? I dunno, maybe if you have to buy a parking permit or something that will allow you to keep your car in one spot of a week at a time? Something that will tell the towers NOT to tow because this person just doesn't use their car that much.
Angry Moderate
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 7:26 a.m.
In most residential neighborhoods, a valid tag should be all you need to tell them not to tow.
cornelius McDougenschniefferburgenstein jr. 3 esq.
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 1:05 a.m.
you will see selective enforcement on thanksgiving break when HUNDREDS of U.M. STUDENTS cars are dormant for a week+just like every year ZERO GET TOWED!!!!
golfer
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 12:48 a.m.
i bet we have a lot of cars that are longer than 48 hours that do not get reported.
Bear
Thu, Nov 15, 2012 : 8:09 a.m.
thank the stars for that! Otherwise, you might see some people heading for city hall with a rail, some tar & some feathers...... just saying. I don't drive my car every day of the week. i don't have the ability to park in a driveway. If I have to move my car every day in order to keep it from getting towed, that is ridiculous! I'd be willing to sue to change the law. It's just not reasonable, IMO.
nickcarraweigh
Wed, Nov 14, 2012 : 11:48 p.m.
Brewer's Towing thinks the current system is just hunky-dory, thank you. Just go on home now. If you insist on parking on the street, please remember to cover your car with a pile of dead leaves. Nobody from the city would think of touching it.