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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 265-05
July 11, 2005

MAYOR MICHAEL R. BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION RAISING TOWING THRESHOLD

Remarks by Mayor Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me today is Introductory Number 312-A, sponsored by Council Members Dilan, Clarke, Gerson, Gonzalez, Martinez, Stewart, Vann, Nelson, Gentile, Reed, Avella, Felder, Fidler, McMahon, Provenzano, Recchia, Rivera, Sanders, Yassky, de Blasio, Barron, Reyna, Liu, James, Gennaro, Weprin, Jackson, Gallagher and Speaker Miller. This legislation raises the threshold at which a vehicle can be towed for having outstanding parking violations from $230 to $350.

"In 2002 fines were increased on the most serious of parking violations from $50 to $100. These increases, the first since 1992, have proved successful in improving traffic flow and safety. In addition, in 2003, the State raised its surcharge on all parking violations from $5 to $15. Because fines have increased without a corresponding increase in the tow threshold, drivers reach the tow threshold faster, creating a situation where cars can be towed for as few as two parking tickets. Raising the tow threshold from $230 to $350 restores the reasonable standard by which vehicles should be towed.

"I would like to thank Department of Finance Commissioner Martha Stark and her staff for their hard work on this legislation. I would also like to thank the Council for shepherding this bill through the legislative process."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Edward Skyler / Jordan Barowitz   (212) 788-2958




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