Get a load of this crap...

Houston SAFEclear program

This is a program to keep the freeways clear of broken down vehicles. Oh and by the way...you have between 5 and 6 minutes before they get there and tow you away. They have been talking about this on the radio for 2 days now and alot of complaints have been going on. One lady said her car ran out of gas, she walked to the gas station off of the freeway, came back and her car was gone.

And the fees...

How does it work?
Police get a report of a stranded motorist, authorize a tow in person or by phone from Houston TranStar, and call a tow truck from a company assigned to that segment of freeway. A tow truck driver who spots the problem first will call police for permission to tow.

Where does it apply?
Freeways — not tollways or frontage roads — in the city of Houston only. The motorist may designate where the vehicle is to be towed.

What does it cost?
$75 for the first five miles, $1.50 for each additional mile. Storage if applicable is $48 for the first day, $15 for each additional day.

Is my consent required?
No, but an independent tow will probably cost more. Gotta love this one...lol

Do I get six minutes to fix the problem before they hook up my car?
No. The company assigned to that location does have six minutes to get a tow truck there after being called. If they're late, or if the disabled vehicle poses a safety hazard, police may assign the tow to others and Safe Clear fees still apply.

What if I'm broke?
After the car is towed to a city-approved storage lot, charges mount daily and the vehicle may be sold at auction after 61 days.

What if I have towing coverage from AAA?
AAA will cover some or all of members' towing and storage costs under Safe Clear. See details at www.aaa-texas.com.

How do I pay?
Cash, credit card or personal check at the scene.

And the question was aked this morning...
What if another tow truck company not with the safeclear program approaches claiming to be with them? Each truck has a shiny reflective decal on it of the logo and the drivers where bright orange or green vest with a logo patch.

You run out of gas, have a dead battery, just costed you a whole lot more.

 

Bunch of freaking vultures teaming up with the slimy politicians on this one. From what I've heard on the radio it's probably 90% against 10% for this ordinance. If it stays on the books, look for it to be an issue in the next mayors race.

Suppose a lowered fourth gen stalls out on the freeway. I'd bet the rigs on half of the tow trucks in the city wouldn't be able to tow it without seriously damaging the front end. If I have to get towed (hasn't happened in the Z yet, knocking on wood) I always request a flatbed. Now you have no choice and they'll butcher your car. Good luck getting money out of them too. Time to start carrying a camera in the car at all times to document the damage that they will cause. Total BS.

 

There's a feedback form:

Let them hear it!

Here is what I wrote:

 

That is a good feedback. And what about the damage that is caused to our vehicles that was created by construction sites, etc.. We pick up a nail or something in an area, then get on the freeway and have a flat. We get screwed by the city twice.

 

i believe i heard on the news that they are going to be doing this in san antonio as well.

 

That really sucks. Watch out!
I watched the news and for the 3rd day they say there are still alot of unanswered questions and confusion about the program. There is one law maker who wants to put it on hold till the mayor and his team get all the kinks worked out.

 

no way...a politician making a smart decision? i wish we could get some of those here in san antonio.

 

This is just Bill White keeping wrecker drivers happy, he pissed them off by re-zoning the freeways.