New Towing Rules in Oxford Aim to Protect Residents and Visitors
The city of Oxford is making waves with a new ordinance that seeks to put an end to some troubling towing practices that have left many residents and visitors feeling frustrated. On Tuesday, the Board took a decisive step by voting unanimously to pass this ordinance, which will take effect in 30 days.
Listening to the Community
Prior to the vote, a public hearing was held in April where community members had the chance to speak out about their experiences with towing companies. Many residents, particularly parents of University of Mississippi students, shared their frustrations regarding unknown and frequently changing fees, a lack of clear signage at apartment complexes, and other problems that seemed to spiral out of control.
It became clear that something needed to be done, and the local government was all ears. The new ordinance is a direct response to those complaints, reflecting the community’s desire for more transparency and fairness in towing practices.
What the Ordinance Covers
So, what exactly does this new law entail? For starters, the ordinance allows vehicles to be towed from public streets only with proper authorization—this means that a law enforcement officer, the owner, or an authorized driver must give the green light. This aims to prevent spontaneous vehicle removals that can often lead to confusion and anger.
When it comes to private property, towing companies will now be required to get a request from the property owner or a legitimate employee before proceeding with a tow. This requirement promotes accountability and ensures that there’s always a solid reason behind every tow.
Additionally, both towing companies and property owners must keep thorough records of who authorized each tow. These records will be available for inspection by the Oxford Police Department upon request. This transparency is an essential aspect of the ordinance, preventing any shady dealings from occurring unnoticed.
Making Towing Fairer
Another eye-catching feature of the ordinance is its prohibition of payments from towing companies to property owners for the right to tow. This practice is known to create conflicts of interest and can lead to predatory towing behaviors. Now, property owners will be motivated to make towing requests based solely on actual need rather than financial incentives.
The ordinance also establishes strict licensing and insurance requirements for towing companies. Each towing vehicle must carry comprehensive liability insurance with a minimum limit of $750,000, alongside other necessary coverages. This not only strengthens accountability but also offers much-needed protection for vehicle owners.
Clear Signage and Fee Limits
In an effort to ensure everyone is aware of the rules, the ordinance mandates that property owners put up clear and visible signage that meets specific size requirements. This way, people won’t find themselves towed away due to a lack of information.
To make towing fees fairer, the ordinance sets a maximum fee of $250 for towing light-duty vehicles from private property. If a vehicle remains in storage, there’s a daily charge of $45, but companies cannot start charging for storage until the vehicle has been there for at least 24 hours. And speaking of storage, any towed vehicle must be kept in the impound lot for 10 days before any relocation can occur, and that relocation cannot come with extra fees.
Reporting Requirements
Finally, towing services will have to inform the Oxford Police Department within one hour of towing a vehicle. This rapid reporting is aimed at ensuring better tracking and accountability of towed vehicles in the city.
The city of Oxford is taking a big step in the right direction with this new ordinance. By prioritizing fairness and transparency in towing practices, residents and visitors alike can feel more secure and informed when parking in the area. If you’re interested in the nitty-gritty details, the complete ordinance can be found on the city’s official website.
