Bellflower : Stricter Towing Law Delayed

The Bellflower City Council has voted to delay action on a proposed ordinance that owners of local towing companies say would severely restrict their business operations.

The proposed ordinance would require towing operators to undergo a background check and site inspection by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department before obtaining a permit. Towing companies are now only required to have a business license, city officials said.

“There are many conditions in this proposed ordinance that will make it very difficult for us to run our businesses efficiently,� said Jeanette Jimenez, co-owner of Astro Towing in Bellflower.

Jimenez and owners of about a dozen local towing companies complained to city and Sheriff’s Department officials last week about the proposal, suggesting various amendments. “The council needs more time to study the ordinance, and this gives staff more time to meet with the owners,� said Gonzalo Vazquez, administrative assistant.

The proposed ordinance was introduced in March, after city officials received calls from residents complaining that local towing companies were overcharging, stealing items from cars and towing illegally from private property. Sheriff’s deputies from the Norwalk and Lakewood stations said they have received hundreds of complaints on Bellflower-based towing businesses since March.

The council is expected to reconsider the ordinance May 11.