Towing guidelines more friendly for those parking in Carolina Beach

Carolina Beach is tackling an issue that always has its fair share of complaints; towing.

In a beach town, where everybody’s looking for a place to park, there is no shortage of parking regulations both in the town and in private lots, but some citizens have been concerned about predatory towing practices.

“I think a lot of the complaints stem from, ‘you know, I just pulled in there, to check-in, to I just pulled in to unload luggage’ or what have you, and those are valid complaints,” said Carolina Beach Town Manger Tim Owens.

Lifeguard Josh Fleming understands why some citizens are concerned. “I’ve definitely seen them circling around. I’ve had a few friends who have been loaded up and luckily got to the truck before their car was taken downtown.”

But after debating on the issue, the Town Council passed new regulations that attempt to make things a little bit more driver friendly.

The new towing ordinance still allows the towing companies to patrol private where they have a contact with the owner, but there are a few more restrictions being placed on the tow trucks.

All private lots must clearly post signs warning of towing risks. If a driver sees their car being towed away, the tow truck driver must lower a car if asked by the owner on-site, for a fee not exceeded twenty-five dollars. The impound lots must be available 24 hours for retrieval.

And finally, towing companies cannot be located more than twenty miles outside of Carolina Beach.

“I’m really glad that it has been looked at, and they’ve lowered the prices at least to get off the truck and they’re not allowed to go so far with your vehicle,” Fleming added.

Of course the best way to avoid getting towed, is to only park where you’re allowed.

Town Manager Tim Owens added that there is only so much the town can do about private parking lots; it’s largely an issue that needs to be resolved privately.