Few things are as exasperating as finding an empty parking space where your car used to be. It's only slightly less irritating when you finally see the undersized sign detailing the terms of the tow company's warning notice and you begin to realize your car hasn't been stolen, but instead has been kidnapped and is being held for ransom.
These predatory tow truck operators work in collusion with unscrupulous parking lot owners, with whom they split the fee they charge you before they release your car. Often these bills are padded and no receipt detailing the charges is even provided. Sometimes these schemers even go so far as to have lookouts with binoculars and walkie-talkies call the tow truck as soon as the unsuspecting driver has left their parked car.
That's why at the October 17th General Session of the Suffolk County Legislature, lawmakers from both sides of the aisle lined up behind Majority Leader Jon Cooper (D-Huntington) to unanimously approve his resolution prohibiting towing companies and parking lot owners from ganging up on drivers and splitting the ill-gotten gains of their plots. It also requires towing companies to provide detailed receipts of all towing charges.
"There seems to be no doubt that current laws-with respect to towing from private property-must be strengthened to curb predatory towing practices," says John Corlett, Director of Government Affairs for AAA New York. "By prohibiting fee 'kick backs', an additional layer of protection will be provided to consumers who are victimized by unscrupulous companies."
The New York State Legislature has tried to act to prevent these unethical towing practices, but partisan gridlock has repeatedly blocked Albany's towing bill. Nassau County hasn't taken any action either. Legislator Cooper's bill significantly enhances Suffolk County's six-year-old towing law.
"Towing companies and parking lot owners who conspire to prey on unsuspecting motorists are the worst kind of con artists," say Cooper. "My law will go a long way toward breaking up this dishonest alliance."
