New ordinance looks to curb predatory towing in Allentown

ALLENTOWN, Pa. — Towing companies face new restrictions and requirements after residents raised concerns about predatory practices in Allentown.

Council members this month passed an ordinance that adds four protections for vehicle owners in the city.

Private towing companies must register all of the vehicles they have working in Allentown and clearly display signs that include their business name and phone number.

The new ordinance requires companies to report all tows to Allentown Police Department within 30 minutes.

And it tries to limit fees for towing vehicles and “decoupling” them before they’re taken away.

Tow-truck operators must release vehicles before towing them if owners pay a fee no greater than half of the towing fee, the bill states.

Towing companies that run afoul of the new ordinance face fines for each violation. That fine is set at $500 or the total fee charged to the vehicle owner, whichever is greater.

Councilman Santo Napoli, who also sits on the Allentown Parking Authority’s board, said he sponsored the legislation in response to a growing trend of residents facing payments of up to $700 to retrieve their towed vehicles.

Napoli called that “simply unacceptable.”

‘A clear message’

Allentown Police Chief Charles Roca thanked council for passing the “much-needed legislation,” which he said will “provide clear expectations and transparency for both towers and residents.”

“This ordinance sends a clear message: These exploitative practices will not be tolerated in the city of Allentown, and those engaging in them will be held accountable,” he said in a news release.

The bill also has requirements for owners of private parking spaces.

They must mark those areas with signs of at least 4 square feet that clearly state contact information for the company responsible for towing.

The new protections do not apply to vehicles blocking access to a driveway or garage or parked in assigned spaces.