Tow-Away Areas May Be Declared

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31762, 20 August 1968, Page 1

Tow-Away Areas May Be Declared

If legal advice shows that the City Council has the authority, Christchurch may have tow-away areas in which the motorist who parks runs the risk of his car being towed to a store from which he can retrieve it on paying a fee.

The traffic committee reported to the council last evening that nostopping areas were to facilitate maximum traffic flows at lightcontrolled and other intersections, to prevent the unnecessary actuation of traffic lights, to permit two and in some cases three lanes of traffic in peak periods, to accommodate the passage of moving vehicles where the roadway width required restriction on stopping on one or both sides, and in some areas to promote safety. There bad been an Increase in the number of motorists failing to comply with the restrictions, the committee said. The presence of only one vehicle completely nullified the over-all effect. Peak-hour restrictions were patrolled daily and in general motorists were aware of this and removed vehicles before the restriction, the committee said. “But where a

vehicle Is detected during the specified time the officer can only leave a traffic-offence notice on the vehicle and consequently the frustration, confusion and congestion continue to exist.

“It is agreed that the offending motorist invariably has to pay the standard fine, but this does not rectify the position at the time, when it is desirable in the interest of other road users to have the area clear of parked vehicles.”

The committee said that where any no-stopping area was declared a tow-away zone there should be appropriate signs. Arrangements would be made with a reputable towing firm to remove and store vehicles, and therewould be a predetermined removal fee set by the council. As there was some doubt on the law, and as there were now no authorised tow-away signs, the committee thought it advisable to obtain a legal opinion before any action was taken.