“These companies employ spotters to keep an eye on you and where you go. The spotter calls the towing company and tells them, ‘Get ‘em,’ and it happens in two or three minutes after you park your car,” says Berliner. “ It drives people crazy – people in downcounty, upcounty, midcounty and east county.”
The bill would outlaw these spotters, which Berliner calls an “unscrupulous business practice.” His bill also would require photographic evidence of a violation that necessitated the tow.
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7 comments:
What is not explained in the article; is there any reason whatsoever that the tow companies pick a car to be towed, or is it just for extortion's sake? Without that, it's just plain theft and extortion.
The reporter left out the core of the story, but who does responsible journalism any more besides the Blogs?
They still wonder why we never leave the shore...
This is done om the shore as well
Maryland already has laws in place to stop this kind of activity. Its known as HB401.
Tow company must have signed authorization slip for each towed vehicle from someone representing the property. Spotters (employed by tow company) are not allowed. Patrol style towing is not allowed. Warning Signs must be 24x30, and must include where its towed, the cost (which is regulated as well). A photograph of the violation must be taken, and police must be notified within an hour.
Costs may not exceed twice what the local government agency charges for a similiar tow, and vehicles MUST be released 24/7. If retrieving your vehicle after normal business hours a gate fee can apply.
Wicomico County....up to $250 for tow.
Salisbury City....up to $320 for tow.
After hours gate fee....$55.
Storage....$50/calendar day.
Business owners have every right to have cars removed from their property. Dont park where you shouldnt and this wont happen to you. Watch for signs in the lots you frequent.
If you get towed and any of the states towing laws were not followed, the maximum penalty to the tow company is THREE times what you paid them, being paid back to you.
Last but not least....dont blame the tow guy. He was only acting at the request of the property owner.
“These tow companies have decided it’s a good way to make money. They’ve found ways to rip off of the public, and we have to step in and say that you can’t do that,” he adds.
Someone should step in on all the crooked politicians as well. Typical libtards. Try owning a business, instead of picking on them, or finding new ways to cut their revenue and raise their taxes.
Tow one away, there'll be two that take its place.
Don't blame the property owner who is using the only tool allowed by law to ensure parking is available when needed. Blame the people who park not understanding the problem they are causing. No business owner wants to tow anyone. If people would respect the signs the towing would stop.
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