Denton

Denton Group Wants Fair Towing Practices

A group of concerned citizens has begun meeting in Denton to work towards better towing practices in town.

Leaders of the group Denton for Fair Towing said they plan to ask the city council next month to enact an ordinance better regulating and setting standards for the towing industry in the city.

Pat Smith helped form the group after seeing the effects of towing practices in the city through those with whom he works.

As a staff member at Denton Bible Church, Smith said he’s heard from several residents working to get their life and finances in order only to be sidelined by a major fine from their vehicle getting towed.

"Went to bed that night and her car was towed at 2 a.m.; cost her $600,” said Smith, recounting one situation. "If you're making $10 or $11 an hour, that's still, that's a week's salary right there. That bothers me."

Smith was spurred to action after our news partners at the Denton Record Chronicle posted an article on the subject early this month. It covered complaints from several Denton residents about large fines from tow companies and worries that drivers were patrolling properties for vehicles breaking the rules and targeting certain areas of the town like near the universities.

After leading a successful charge last year to get tougher rules on pay-day lenders, Smith decided to try again with this situation.

“We needed to do something that is reasonable and balanced, but at the end of the day protects citizens from being unfairly charged and significantly harmed financially," said Smith.

Smith is working with Amber Briggle, a long-time resident, planning and zoning commissioner and city council candidate who also quickly identified a need for change after hearing stories from other residents.

"This is affecting a lot of people in Denton,” said Briggle.

Briggle also pointed out the large number of towing companies in Denton.

During the group’s meeting Wednesday night Briggle said a current and a former tow truck operator were present to weigh in and be a part of the discussion. She hoped to continue getting industry members involved as well as property owners to make sure any ordinance they recommend will be fair for all parties.

"Any responsible ordinance is going to have as many stakeholders as possible involved in the process, and that's really what we're trying to do,” she said.

Smith said their ultimate goal is just to see a fair solution in Denton.

"How we do that in a balanced manner that doesn't kill someone financially with one tow is, I think, reasonable and can be achieved,” he said.

The group plans to meet again in the coming weeks before presenting a plan to the city council on March 3.

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