Kansas City takes steps to crack down on predatory tow operators
KANSAS CITY, Mo. (KCTV) - City leaders took steps to prevent tow truck operators from taking advantage of vehicle owners. It comes after prosecutors charged two people in connection with forgery and tampering with a motor vehicle.
Mayor Quinton Lucas and Councilman Darrell Curls introduced the new legislation at Thursday’s city council meeting.
The proposed ordinance suggests adding code provisions that will:
- Increase penalties for illegal acts and behavior
- Create additional responsibilities for tow operators
- Establish new requirements for property owners
Lucas and Curls said the new effort won’t stop there, if it is passed.
“Predatory towing has been a growing concern in our community,” Councilman Curls said. “Too many of our residents have fallen victim to unreasonable fees and questionable towing practices. This ordinance will establish clear guidelines to ensure towing companies operate fairly and transparently.”
The ordinance also tells the City Manager to create a Towed Vehicle Owner’s Bill of Rights.
The effort will include a public education campaign to raise awareness about what should happen during a tow, how much people should expect to pay to retrieve a vehicle, and what tow operators are required to do when towing a car.
It also directs the City Manager to implement software to create a tow reporting system for city departments and educate people how to report predatory towing.
The Kansas City Police Department is expected to use the system once it is in place, according to the ordinance. It will also use the system to improve enforcement and monitor compliance.
City leaders will also be directed to work with Jackson County to coordinate enforcement.
The ordinance is expected to be discussed at one of Kansas City’s Council Meetings on Tuesday, April 29.
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