Wednesday, January 12, 2005

Mayor proposes 'free' $afe Clear towing

Mr. Bill White, faced with mounting criticism of the Safe Clear program from all quarters has decided to make towing an entitlement:

Wrecker drivers in the city's Safe Clear program will provide free, short-distance tows and assistance to motorists on Houston freeways if their vehicles are not blocking traffic, Mayor Bill White proposed today in response to a firestorm of complaints about the program. White said the free service, if approved by City Council, would cost taxpayers about $300,000 a year -- the money coming from transportation funds in the city's Public Works and Engineering Department. He called this a small price to pay for the reduction in traffic congestion he believes the program will provide. Safe Clear tows of five miles or less now cost motorists $75. Under White's proposal, short tows would be free but the city would reimburse towing companies $50 for each one.

Curiouser and curiouser. I suppose this is an effort to persuade people that Safe Clear isn't really a revenue grab. Instead, it's just another advancement of governmental action replacing personal responsibility. Can't say I'm surprised.

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