There’s something of a war of words going on between the sponsor and a key target of a soon-to-be new towing law.
Gov. Glenn Youngkin (R) recently signed two pieces of legislation — both backed by Arlington lawmakers — allowing Northern Virginia local governments to set tighter restrictions on tow operators. HB 959, introduced by Del. Alfonso Lopez (D), allows localities in Northern Virginia to pass “second signature” ordinances requiring towing operators to get express permission from lot owners before removing individual vehicles.
It also allows these localities to regulate operators’ monitoring practices, increases penalties for bad actors and strengthens compensation for victims of unlawful tows.
That’s not sitting well with Ballston-based Advanced Towing, whose owner sent a statement to Fox 5 for reporter Sierra Fox’s story on the bill, which aired Thursday.
“It’s an onerous burden and safety issue for property owners. We never tow the wrong car so what purpose does it serve? None! This is all in retribution for Delegate Lopez getting his car towed for parking illegally and going down the street for some pie!” said the company’s statement, as reported by Fox.
Lopez had previously referenced being towed in Arlington.
Fox’s story, below, also mentions the plight of a food delivery driver who was towed while picking up an order from P.F. Chang’s in Ballston. A fire lane on private property near the restaurant is marked with towing warnings.
“It’s ridiculous, they take two days pay in two seconds,” the driver said of the $155 charge to get his car back and complete the delivery. “It makes me feel like I was robbed, basically.”
TOWING IN VA: @GovernorVA Glenn Youngkin just signed a bill into law to prevent predatory towing practices. I spoke with Delegate Alfonso @Lopez4VA about the new legislation. However, Advanced Towing in Arlington isn’t happy about the changes. Watch my report to find out why ➖ pic.twitter.com/PTX9XjkBbQ
— Sierra Fox (@thesierrafox) April 11, 2024