San Antonio Councilwoman Seeks to Reverse Private-Lot Towing Fee Increase

A tow truck removes a vehicle from a private parking lot, highlighting ongoing concerns about predatory towing practices and rising towing fees in San Antonio.

A San Antonio councilwoman says she was unaware that recently approved towing fee increases also affected private parking lots, where predatory towing complaints are common.

City Council approved higher maximum towing fees as part of an effort to address an anticipated $158 million budget deficit. The changes are expected to generate an additional $2 million to $3 million in city revenue.

Councilwoman Sukh Kaur (D1) said the city’s share of revenue from tows on public streets increased from $50 to approximately $110 per light-duty tow. However, she said she did not realize the ordinance also raised fees for private-lot towing, from which the city receives no revenue.

The increase has drawn criticism following complaints from resident Kristina Richie, who said two vehicles were towed within minutes of parking, costing her approximately $717 to retrieve them.

Kaur said she wants to reverse the private-lot increase, calling those locations a hotspot for predatory towing. The ordinance is expected to be reviewed at an upcoming Public Safety Committee meeting.

Source: https://www.ksat.com