Finding a place to park around Chapel Hill is a problem nearly every student has experienced. But in recent months, lack of parking around campus has introduced a new issue — the high cost of fines issued by towing companies.
Predatory towing, in the form of price-gouging and itchy trigger fingers, hurts the community.
Businesses who hire towing companies should not hire those that charge unreasonably high fees.
In response to this issue, the town of Chapel Hill attempted to implement an ordinance that would regulate towing companies by limiting the amount they could fine, amongst other changes.
A local towing company filed a lawsuit in response, alleging that limits on towing fees were unconstitutional, and the court agreed.
Therefore, it is now up to businesses to hire companies with fairer prices.
On a college budget, where it can be difficult to afford necessities, towing fees of $250 for a single car can be disastrous for a student.
Frankly, the punishment doesn’t fit the crime. A lower fee would accomplish the same goal of preventing unwanted parking, without wringing residents dry.
In addition to the problem of overly high prices, some of these companies only accept cash as a form of payment. Few people have $250 readily available; businesses should hire towing companies that take credit cards.
