One recent night, a friend of mine parked in a tow-away zone [and the car was towed]. My live/work space is in the middle of downtown, and the purpose of this letter is not to complain about the act of being towed. In my neighborhood, it is an hourly occurrence and it is absolutely necessary.
My concern here is safety and legality. When we called All Safe Towing, they said they were located on Broadway across from the ABC outlet. Anyone who lives downtown is aware of that long string of abandoned buildings at that location. Confused, we set out to find it.
It was dark outside, and we were surprised to find no lights or visible signs that would indicate where we were supposed to go. We called back and circled around again to meet an unfriendly tow-truck driver in the parking lot of the ABC store. He led us across traffic into a door with the only marking being a bright orange warning from the fire marshal, through a shady-looking room full of clothes and into a dripping warehouse space. As discussed before in this paper, they only take cash, and the gentleman was so helpful, he didn’t even have change. (I am sure he likes to skim off the top with this maneuver).
I kept imagining just one of us walking into this situation, and I was honestly frightened even with company. I saw no business license, cash register, signage, certificate of occupancy, and wondered if we had just been scammed by a guy with a receipt book and the right truck. I have had repeated run-ins with city officials regarding my business situation. How is it that these guys are getting away with what they are?
— Heather Knight
Asheville
Towing downtown is an issue. The City is looking for better control. Downtown bussineses and property owners have a choice as to which tow companies they employ. Tow companies that tow for the City, ie; clearing wrecks, opening blocked streets and law enforcement, are highly regulated and open to scrutiny by the City and the public. Downtown lot owners have a choice. they can use the pirate with the unmarked little red truck or they can hire a reputable tow company that is subject to city regs.
Good ole “all-safe” strikes again. Obviously, they are still up to no good.
So you are complaining about their business location? It was not obvious from the street and that is scared you? I am confused about this. If you parked in a tow zone you are going to be towed. What’s the issue? Does every company have to be perfectly marked and have correct sign usage? Don’t think it does. No law broken there.