06/20/2021
Philadelphia council members. I am Lew Blum of Lew Blum Towing Co.Inc. , We are a multi-billion dollar industry. We are not a liability but an asset to cities and states. we are the ones who clear the highways of multi-vehicle collisions. Some fees need to be charged when removal /clearing the highway. In Philadelphia, Private Towing Companies that do rotational tows can only charge a flat rate. This is unacceptable. When private is called to accident sometimes, they have to wait for 30 minutes or an hour before getting the ok to clear. When vehicles are in accidents, they leak their fluids; we have to provide the oil dry or sand and clean up the area, which should be considered hazardous work. Some vehicles have to fliped-over; we should be paid for that. When a vehicle slid down an embankment, and we have to recover, we should be allowed to charge. Giving us the right to charge for services rendered can give Philadelphia additional revenue without raising taxes. win-win
Next, remove bill 160682 from private property and replace it with Towing Agreement. When vehicles are to be removed from private property, only the laws that permit may allow towing. Advise all towing companies when you tow illegally parked vehicles in Philadelphia, pa. Your tow signs must be posted where they can be easily seen by the public, for single dwelling homes no smaller than 18 x 18 and commercial properties no smaller than 36x36. You must accept credit cards.no excuse will be accepted. The private towing company cannot tow any vehicle from a public loading dock, and a private towing company cannot tow from a lot that is not zoned as a parking lot. When private towing companies relocate a vehicle from temporary parking, they must notify the police district where the vehicles are being moved and only relocate within a 4 to 6 block radius. Enforce fines and suspensions of Towing Licenses.1st fine 500.00 2nd 1000.00 3rd 1500.00 if a Towing company receives the 4th fine in a 12 month period from the first fine issued, Towing License will be suspended.3 months 6 months.
Gross revenue from rotational tow if fees were allowed. Minimum 30 tows 150.00 for the tow.75.00 for the cleanup per hour, time waiting 75.00 per hour. This is the basic, which would gross 3.285.000 tax revenue to Philadelphia at 28% 919.800. The balance of 2'365.200 would be reinvested back into Philadelphia because all employees live in Philadelphia. Win-win. There are other charges for using dollies 150.00, usages of a flatbed 75.00 additional, usage of a tarp 75.00 usage of a fire extinguisher, these are services we provide. We want to be paid.
Gross revenue from illegally parked vehicles, when there was no ticket law no bill 160682. at a minimum of 50 vehicles a day 200.dollars and 6.25 for parking tax.= 3'650'00 and parking tax 114'062.50 and tax revenue to Philadelphia at 28% 1'022'000 win-win. this can give Philadelphia 2 million dollars in revenue, and you did not have to raise the tax to get it. Most vehicles today are all-wheel drives vehicles must be dollied additional charges 100.00 dollars, go jacks usage 75.00 The Private Towing industry we are an asset, not a liability.
