Joint Committee on Public Safety & License and Consumer Protection
City Council Meeting February 10, 2016
WHEREAS, there are countless private parking lots and spaces in Chicago that utilize towing services to remove unauthorized vehicles from the premises; and
WHEREAS, this service is essential for property owners to manage their parking; and
WHEREAS, there has been a pattern of illegal towing and abuse of customers by Lincoln Towing, documented in media reports, anecdotal stories from citizens, and the iconic Steve Goodman in his song "The Pirates of Lincoln Park"; and
WHEREAS, Resident living nearby the Lincoln Towing location at 4882 N. Clark Street in the 47th Ward have expressed concern about reckless driving and other dangerous conduct; and
WHEREAS, Many Chicagoans are unaware of their rights when their vehicle is towed; and
WHEREAS, The City Council is responsible for ensuring the general welfare and public safety of citizens and visitors to Chicago; and
WHEREAS, The Illinois Commerce Commission is the primary regulator for towing operators in the State of Illinois; and
WHEREAS, The Chicago Police Department and the Department of Business Affairs and Consumer Protection oversee requirements for towing operators set forth in the Municipal Code of the City of Chicago; now, therefore
BE IT RESOLVED, that representatives ofthe Illinois Commerce Commission, Chicago Police Department, Department of Business Affairs & Consumer Protection, Towing Operators, including Lincoln Towing and Cook County Towing, appear before a joint hearing ofthe Committees on Public Safety and License & Consumer Protection to discuss regulation of towing companies and to provide an opportunity for the City Council to assess the facts of the regulatory environment and inform an effort to improve regulations in Chicago to prevent illegal tows and other unsavory behaviors by towing operators.