MEMPHIS, TN (abc24.com) - Tow truck operators say the Memphis City Council is putting them in danger with a tough new amendment to the city's current towing ordinance.
Operators say they're most angry about the portion of the law requiring Memphis Police to clear the vehicle before it can be towed.
Operators say that can take over two hours, leaving them as sitting ducks in what is often a dangerous environment.
"Somebody is going to get hurt," says Heather Guess with Superior Automotive and Towing. "Until this is amended, someone is going to end up hurt before this is all said and done with, I promise you that."
Guess and several other tow truck operators spoke out at the council's meeting on Tuesday, November 1, 2011.
The council passed the ordinance, which toughens oversight and existing laws governing the city's tow truck operators.
"It says they don't care about our safety, is what it tells me," says Guess. "I mean, I'll be honest, the city doesn't care about our safety."
The city council says it will consider giving the tow truck operators a time window to move the car before it is cleared by MPD, when it meets again in two weeks.
