The city of San Diego plans to change it's policy around vehicle towing. Specifically, car owners in San Diego will not be towed for late registrations fees, or for having more than five unpaid parking tickets.
Councilmember Stephen Whitburn is spearheading the policy change. He said towing the cars of people who already cannot afford their registration fees, or pay their parking tickets, are being plunged deeper into debt when their cars are towed. And, Whitburn said, if they cannot pay to get their car out of the tow yard, "It's sold to the highest bidder."
The change comes after the city audited the policy last year. The council is still working out the details. Whitburn said the policy does not just negatively affect low-income and other vulnerable people in San Diego, it also hurts the city.
"On an annual basis, the city loses $1.5 million through this program," Whitburn said.
Whitburn joined Midday Edition on Monday to talk about how the city's towing policy will change.
