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New tow truck regulations seek to bring order to crash scenes

Mayor Brown says accident scenes have become chaos with tow trucks operators competing for business.
Mark Leitner/WBFO
Mayor Brown says accident scenes have become chaos with tow trucks operators competing for business.

Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown has entirely revamped the city's tow truck operating procedures. The nine-point
plan is aimed at ending the oftentimes 'wild west' atmosphere at accident locations.

When two, three, or more operators would show up at scenes at practically the same time to solicit business, situations have, at times, turned testy.  Speaking to reporters on the steps of City Hall Friday, the mayor said his plan will end that.

"There will be only one tow truck company allowed on the scene. So, the process of multiple towers rushing to the scene will no longer be permitted in the City of Buffalo," Brown said.

The mayor said Buffalo Police and City Hall's Parking, Permits, and Inspections Services will administer the plan, which goes into effect immediately.

"There won't be zones.  We will identify one tow truck operator that will be responsible for towing in the city for a week.  People will be on a rotational wheel," Brown said

It will be a police officer's call to decide whether a tow truck is necessary.  If so, only the authorized tow truck operator on call that week will be permitted at the accident scene.  Drivers can still contact their own tow truck operator if they choose.

 

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