PHILADELPHIA – Yesterday afternoon, Mayor Jim Kenney signed into law Bill No. 160682, which prevents towing operators from hooking or towing any vehicle from private lots and driveways prior to that vehicle being ticketed by any of the city’s law enforcement agencies. The Philadelphia Police Department (PPD) will begin enforcing the legislation on February 1, 2017.

“I’m hopeful this legislation will address predatory towing practices in Philadelphia,” said Mayor Kenney. “My sincerest thanks to Councilwoman Quiñones Sánchez for her passionate advocacy on this issue, and to PPD and L&I for helping to shape this legislation’s implementation strategy.”

The legislation’s sponsor, Councilwoman Maria Quiñones Sánchez, has facilitated meetings between the Administration and law enforcement, towing companies, and property owners to ensure that this program’s implementation is swift and effective. In contrast to previous ticket-to-tow legislation that placed the burden solely on PPD to ticket vehicles, under this new law, other agencies such as PPA, university police and SEPTA are coordinating with PPD on ticketing efforts.

“Comprehensive towing reform will help ensure that all Philadelphians are protected from predatory practices and that business on our city streets is conducted legally,” said Councilwoman Quiñones Sánchez. “I would like to thank Mayor Kenney, the Philadelphia Police Department, the Philadelphia Parking Authority, and all of our law enforcement partners for their support and hard work in implementing this critical step.”

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