Kallos, who represents Gotham’s Upper East Side and Roosevelt Island, has introduced legislation that enables owners of cars towed due to emergencies or temporary parking restrictions to be able to find where their vehicle is through an online application or by 311. Tracking is currently only available for cars taken to impound lots because of standard parking violations.
Int 0686-2015 amends the city's administrative code directing the New York City Department of Transportation to make the locations of towed vehicles available using a searchable database of license plate numbers. If enacted, the amendment to the law goes into effect 90 days after being signed.
Kallos cited personal experience as one of the reasons he wanted to pursue a technological answer to what’s a growing problem in the city. His mother's car was towed in Manhattan and relocated five blocks away from its original location. He said it took hours to find it.
In an email to Government Technology, Kallos noted that New York City is one of the film industry’s busiest shooting locations, which is another frequent reason vehicles get towed. Production companies already provide a list of towing locations to local police precincts. But the precincts are not staffed or set up to provide the information to vehicle owners in the same manner as 311 can, according to Kallos’ office.
Kallos believes changing the city code will make it easier for people to find their towed vehicles and help alleviate the stress when owners discover their car is missing.
“These simple actions would allow residents the peace of mind of easily locating their car through the same methods as when a car is towed for violations,” Kallos said. “While this would streamline the process for the city and film production companies, our focus is on making residents’ lives easier.”
When asked if there are privacy implications by maintaining a public database of license plate numbers online – particularly if thieves are tracking high-end vehicles – Kallos said cars impounded for normal parking violations can already be located online on the city’s website. Kallos added that he’s committed to privacy, but wants the same locator service extended for temporary violations.
Int 0686-2015 has been assigned to the Committee on Public Transportation. If it passes, the bill will be considered by the entire New York City Council. If the council votes in favor of the bill, it will then be sent to Mayor Bill de Blasio, who will hold a public hearing on the measure before signing or vetoing the legislation.
