Moran to Introduce Bill to Strengthen Localities Vs. Predatory Tow Truckers

Rep. Jim Moran announced this week that he will hold a press conference Monday, July 19, with local officials from the City of Falls Church and Arlington to unveil legislation to curtail the practice of predatory towing by the tow truck industry.

A recent spate of predatory towing incidents throughout the region in recent months spurred Moran's action, even though the legislation has been in the development stages for some time.

Moran's bill, "The State and Local Predatory Towing Enforcement Act of 2004," according to a statement from Moran's office, "Closes a loophole in federal law that has left regulation of the tow truck industry in virtual limbo."

The bill seeks to return regulatory power of non-consensual tows to state and local authorities "who can best ensure the safety and consumer rights of their residents," according to Moran.

Participating in the press conference with Moran Monday will be City of Falls Church Mayor Dan Gardner, Arlington County Board chair Barbara Favola and Arlington Board members Jay Fisette and Paul Ferguson.

Simultaneous with the press conference, according to Moran's office, one of the tow truck operators that has continued to compile numerous complaints related to the overcharging of residents will be in court in a suit brought by Arlington County. The case is being heard in the Arlington County Courthouse, located across the street from the press conference's location.

The press conference will be held at 11:30 a.m. Monday in the parking lot outside the Arlington Courthouse Metro station at 2100 Clarendon Blvd.