Philly Tow Truck Drivers Stage Loud Protest Over Proposed Law
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- Dozens of tow truck operators paraded up Broad Street this morning, arriving at City Hall to protest a bill before City Council that would give the Philadelphia Parking Authority greater involvement in their business.
Honking all the way from the sports complex to City Hall, 175 tow trucks headed up Broad Street to protest the City Council legislation.
Inside, some of the tow truck owners personally lobbied council members to reject the bill, which is aimed at curbing wreck chasing.
Among them was Anthony D'Angelo of George Smith Towing.
"There's a few bad apples and they're punishing everybody for it," said D'Angelo. "There's a few bad apples in politics, there's a few bad apples in the police department, and they don't punish everybody for that. But that's what they're doing to us."
The bill would force the tow truck drivers to bring the vehicles to Parking Authority lots rather than their own. The measure's sponsor, Councilman Jim Kenney, says that's to keep the cars from being held hostage by unscrupulous operators.
The full Council is expected to vote on the bill in early December.
Reported by KYW City Hall Bureau Chief Mike Dunn.
