SHREVEPORT, La — Concerns have emerged regarding the legality of tow truck operations in downtown Shreveport after a recent statement from the Shreveport Police Department.
On August 1, 2024 the Shreveport Police Department announced plans to coordinate with local tow companies to strategically stage tow trucks in the downtown area. The objective is to quickly respond to parking violations during events, with vehicles being relocated to a secure parking area. The department emphasized that this setup would enhance safety and provide convenience by allowing violators to retrieve their vehicles without delay.
However, the proposed procedure has drawn attention from anonymous sources who reached out the Love Shreveport-Bossier, who caution that it may be in violation of Louisiana law and could cause Tow Truck companies to lose their license to operate.
Specifically, La. Admin. Code tit. 55, § I-1911—Code of Conduct, prohibits tow trucks from moving vehicles to locations other than their licensed storage facilities without the vehicle owner’s prior authorization.
Additionally, the regulation stipulates that vehicles should not be transferred to another tow truck unless the primary tow truck becomes disabled.
The enforcement of this regulation, promulgated under R.S. 32:1714, could potentially result in tow truck companies losing their licenses if found in violation.
As the situation develops, questions remain about whether the planned tow truck staging will proceed and how it aligns with state regulations.
We reached out to The Shreveport Police Department but they have yet to respond to these concerns, leaving both residents and local towing companies seeking clarity on the issue.
We also contacted Kenny Crawford, the owner of Kenny’s Towing, to ask if he had been contacted by Shreveport Vehicle For Hire about participating.
He responded, “We received an email today from VFH asking if we intended to participate, and we replied that Kenny’s Towing would NOT be participating at this time.”
Unanswered Questions Surround Shreveport Tow Truck Staging Plans
Several critical questions remain unanswered regarding the Shreveport Police Department’s plan to stage tow trucks downtown. Key among them are:
1. How will people be notified that their vehicle has been towed?
- There has been no clarification on how individuals will be informed if their car has been towed. Will notices be left at the original parking spot, or will another method be used to alert vehicle owners.
2. Where exactly is the “secure parking area” where towed vehicles will be relocated?
- The location of this secure area has not been disclosed. How will people, particularly those unfamiliar with the city, find this area?
3. How will out-of-towners, who may not know their way around Shreveport, be informed about this “secret” parking area?
- For visitors to the city, the lack of clear, accessible information could lead to confusion and frustration. What steps will be taken to ensure they can locate their vehicles?
4. Who should parking violators contact to confirm if their vehicle has been towed and not stolen?
- What contact information will be provided for vehicle owners to verify the status and location of their towed vehicles? Without clear guidance, individuals might fear their car has been stolen rather than towed.
5. What forms of payment will be accepted to retrieve a towed vehicle?
- Will vehicle owners be able to pay with cash, credit or debit cards, or other methods like digital payments or checks? Clear information on the accepted payment methods is crucial for ensuring a smooth and efficient retrieval process.
