Assured Towing given reduced fine of $5500 for overcharging vehicle owners in parking lots in San Antonio metro area. The system is totally broke when TDLR Commissioners approve to reduce the fine of $11,000 to $5500, while vehicle owners, the victims got zero, even after filing the complaint. The San Antonio Police Chief's desire to allow criminal actions by wrecker drivers against the citizens of San Antonio, the many thousand of tourists to continue unabated is insulting. To allow convicted felons to steal people's vehicles from in front of their apartment, claiming no parking permit, that the property manager affixed to the windshield, after peeling off.
Assured is not the only towing evil in San Antonio, Danny's Road Service who joined forces with John Deloach, said the be retired owner, which incidentally, I trained to boot vehicles at the Denny's across from the Riverwalk, you eventually bought the towing company, Johnny Bates Wrecker Service, which I managed.
But the main issue with what is occupying in San Antonio is the complete lawlessness. Why are the San Antonio police officers being told not arrest wrecker drivers for taking vehicles without probable cause or threatening someone over a fee they are not entitled too?
Assured moved into the San Antonio after their operations was and still is under close watch, with ongoing criminal investigations by law enforcement.
For law enforcement in Bexar County as whole, to allow a wrecker driver or towing company owner/employee to knowingly violate State Law that subject to arrest is total obscured.
In my opinion, the quickest way to put a dent in the financial nightmares caused by dishonest private property impound towing companies, is for the San Antonio City Council adopt the TDLR tow fee study recommendation of $125 towing fee, no on site fee, like the $180 Assured drivers were caught and still are charging drivers.
They do it because SAPD won't do anything, Chief McManus reassigned the detectives at the 9th Street Wrecker Unit office, just as Assured was moving into San Antonio with their buddy personal injury lawyer friends whom are principles in Assured.
What a great opportunity, these guys were thinking, being connected within the bexar county legal system, it's working so, only because campaign donations rank higher than Justice..
Pat Johnson
Creator
Texas Towing Compliance
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Friday, April 22, 2011
Changing Course
Beginning today, Texas Towing Compliance will focus on assisting select towing companies and parking facility owners stay afoul of violating the many numerous regulations.
Motorists are basically screwed, the chances of getting your money back without the assistance of an attorney are slim.
San Antonio will soon see some relief from the lawlessness of towing companies, negotiations for the acquisition of a problem towing company, should reduce the rudeness of wrecker drivers. In addition, SAPD has hired a former TDLR employee to serve the role as their 2nd Wrecker Inspector.
Motorists will continue to be taken advantage of, it's unfortunate, but it has and will continue to give the towing industry a bad reputation.
TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations) continues to issue Occupation Licenses to convicted child molesters, serial rapists and hardcore felons, nobody I know would employ a registered sex offender and the City of Austin Wrecker Ordinance prohibits sex offenders from being issued a City License.
I expect to keep a Facebook Texas Towing Compliance page for Austin, as I know the Austin Police Department Wrecker Enforcement Unit will never cease investigations of wrecker drivers whom have a history of breaking the law or charging unauthorized fees.
It's important to remember, that filing a complaint with TDLR, will not result in motorists getting their money back, rather line the pockets of attorneys and for sustainable employment of TDLR employees.
It's been five years since TTC was created, I've spoken to many thousands of people who were harmed financially by illegal towing, now is the time for me move on..
Motorists are basically screwed, the chances of getting your money back without the assistance of an attorney are slim.
San Antonio will soon see some relief from the lawlessness of towing companies, negotiations for the acquisition of a problem towing company, should reduce the rudeness of wrecker drivers. In addition, SAPD has hired a former TDLR employee to serve the role as their 2nd Wrecker Inspector.
Motorists will continue to be taken advantage of, it's unfortunate, but it has and will continue to give the towing industry a bad reputation.
TDLR (Texas Department of Licensing & Regulations) continues to issue Occupation Licenses to convicted child molesters, serial rapists and hardcore felons, nobody I know would employ a registered sex offender and the City of Austin Wrecker Ordinance prohibits sex offenders from being issued a City License.
I expect to keep a Facebook Texas Towing Compliance page for Austin, as I know the Austin Police Department Wrecker Enforcement Unit will never cease investigations of wrecker drivers whom have a history of breaking the law or charging unauthorized fees.
It's important to remember, that filing a complaint with TDLR, will not result in motorists getting their money back, rather line the pockets of attorneys and for sustainable employment of TDLR employees.
It's been five years since TTC was created, I've spoken to many thousands of people who were harmed financially by illegal towing, now is the time for me move on..
Friday, April 8, 2011
TDLR Once Again Allows Licensee To Violate Law
These days, it's becoming commonplace that licensees of the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation can violate their rules, regulations and state law, with little or no resistance. The most interesting complaint filed against Quantum Unlimited, a towing company.
I filed a complaint against this company, for no valid license, no cab card, no insurance, all violations of State Law and the very rules and regulations, the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation is supposed to regulate.
But that didn't happen in this complaint, TDLR Prosecutor Adam Fellows decided no violation had occurred, but the Round Rock Police Department observed this tow truck in their city doing a repo, with all of the above mentioned violations. Not only was the tow truck stopped, but impounded, along with the vehicle in tow and tow truck driver sent walking with a handful of tickets.
TDLR cannot continue to harass licensees who obey the daily changing rules and do nothing to licensees whom harm motorists, and businesses.
But that didn't happen in this complaint, TDLR Prosecutor Adam Fellows decided no violation had occurred, but the Round Rock Police Department observed this tow truck in their city doing a repo, with all of the above mentioned violations. Not only was the tow truck stopped, but impounded, along with the vehicle in tow and tow truck driver sent walking with a handful of tickets.
TDLR cannot continue to harass licensees who obey the daily changing rules and do nothing to licensees whom harm motorists, and businesses.
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Motorists/Business/Law Enforcement Under Assault by Texas Legislature
It's imperative everyone contact your representative in the Texas Legislature and demand them to vote against HB3510 and SB1371, as these proposed bill allows corruption, the current law prohibits.
Once again, although, it's on the minds of many, which legislators are leaning toward being corrupt, being financially influenced by any lobbyist group. (Texas Towing & Storage Association)
House Rep Mike Hamilton (R) Buna told me recently, that being in business as he is, "it's ok" to accept financial benefits (kickbacks/bribes) from towing companies.
Senator John Carona (R) Dallas, has everything to gain from his bill of passing since he himself allows towing on property in owns.
These bills create an unfair disadvantage to other companies, who don't have the ability to enrich and/or send property managers to Las Vegas, so they can enforce their parking rules.
Both the these bill will disrupt what has been in place since 1993 and the only ones who benefit will be organized crime, select towing companies and parking facility owners who are accustomed to shady business practices.
I can't help but wonder why either of these two legislators, would reduce the current criminal penalty and fine for towing companies or parking facilities who repeated harm Texas consumers and businesses.
House Rep Mike Hamilton prides himself on the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation's ability to issue Occupation Licenses to Convicted Child Molesters, giving them the opportunity to come into our homes or pickup your teenage daughter when their vehicle becomes disabled and requires towing.
So, we must ask ourselves, is Texas ready for a dose of corruption courtesy of the Texas Legislature that would allow the towing companies whom a history of harming consumers, the opportunity to rape consumers.
Law enforcement are against this bill, as it reduces the criminal penalty to a simple traffic ticket, something many law enforcement agencies will not even bother with, leaving potential victims of criminal illegal towing with nowhere to turn, since alot of JP Courts are incapable of making a ruling without "social circles" playing a role.
Please write your representatives and ask them to vote no!
Once again, although, it's on the minds of many, which legislators are leaning toward being corrupt, being financially influenced by any lobbyist group. (Texas Towing & Storage Association)
House Rep Mike Hamilton (R) Buna told me recently, that being in business as he is, "it's ok" to accept financial benefits (kickbacks/bribes) from towing companies.
Senator John Carona (R) Dallas, has everything to gain from his bill of passing since he himself allows towing on property in owns.
These bills create an unfair disadvantage to other companies, who don't have the ability to enrich and/or send property managers to Las Vegas, so they can enforce their parking rules.
Both the these bill will disrupt what has been in place since 1993 and the only ones who benefit will be organized crime, select towing companies and parking facility owners who are accustomed to shady business practices.
I can't help but wonder why either of these two legislators, would reduce the current criminal penalty and fine for towing companies or parking facilities who repeated harm Texas consumers and businesses.
House Rep Mike Hamilton prides himself on the Texas Department of Licensing & Regulation's ability to issue Occupation Licenses to Convicted Child Molesters, giving them the opportunity to come into our homes or pickup your teenage daughter when their vehicle becomes disabled and requires towing.
So, we must ask ourselves, is Texas ready for a dose of corruption courtesy of the Texas Legislature that would allow the towing companies whom a history of harming consumers, the opportunity to rape consumers.
Law enforcement are against this bill, as it reduces the criminal penalty to a simple traffic ticket, something many law enforcement agencies will not even bother with, leaving potential victims of criminal illegal towing with nowhere to turn, since alot of JP Courts are incapable of making a ruling without "social circles" playing a role.
Please write your representatives and ask them to vote no!
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Another Unlicensed Tow Truck Operating in Austin
February 1, 2011
Yesterday, was not surprising to observe another unlicensed tow truck towing a vehicle in Austin, that I reported back in July 2010 to TDLR. At the time of the original TDLR complaint, the complaint was rejected because the photographs of the truck was not proof enough, therefore complaint was rejected.
July 5, 2010
The owner was this tow truck was informed by another towing company how to become licensed, but ignored all help and continues to tow vehicles unlicensed, both the tow truck and the tow truck operator.
Used car dealers would prefer to use their own tow truck to tow their vehicles, and I have no problems with that, as long as they are licensed, something this company isn't.
Guess their is reason this tow truck is affiliated with "Last Chance Auto Sales" and Austin Express Body Shop, (no relations to Austin Express Wrecker Service).
The only difference between the two incidents, is in the video, a temp tag that dealers can print from their office for customers, replaced the rear license plate.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Complete Lawlessness
Certain towing companies in the Austin, DFW, San Antonio, and Houston are causing great financial harm to citizens. Outright stealing and our Courts are to heavily influence by campaign donations or law enforcement agencies saw their wrecker enforcement unit dissolved.
Take in San Antonio, as of today, it's complete lawlessness for wrecker drivers, drivers have little chance of getting help from the San Antonio Police Department or TDLR, even when their right, about not having to pay the $120 drop fee. But this does little to console the single mom left stranded in a parking lot. The citizens of San Antonio are being screwed to the max, only because members of San Antonio City Council have made no attempt to regulate non-consent tow fees. Why should they have to pay $250, when the same fee is $150 in Austin?
Why the FBI is not looking into the corruption surrounding the ex San Antonio Mayor, City Council and City Manager's Office involvement in awarding a contract to Assured Towing Inc is mind boggling.
Refusing to regulate the towing fees and dissolving the wrecker enforcement unit to investigate valid criminal complaints of wrecker drivers and parking facilities violate the Civil Rights of everyone forced to pay a ransom to recover their possession.
By not regulating non-consent towing (private property impounds and wrecks), the public will always be taken advantage of, no doubt about it.
TDLR (Texas department of licensing and regulation) must to a better job of tracking their licensees, specifically wrecker drivers and vehicle storage facility employees, this agency's failures in regulating the towing industry, will result in permanent harm to our economy.
Complaints about damage to vehicles after being towed and personal property stolen are increasing. Consumers are disgusted with the run around by towing companies and TDLR about damage to their vehicles and rightfully they should be. The very compliance issues with the VSF (vehicle storage facility) are still lacking, as wrecker drivers continue to turn in an inventory of the vehicle, noting damage caused by the wrecker driver, as "prior damage".
I have discovered another unlicensed tow truck operating with a bogus license number, TDLR, APD and TSCAT all know about it, I''m sure this individual will be found.
The last unlicensed tow truck I reported was captured Jan 26th by Round Rock PD, impounded and driver sent walking, as I am sure if the above tow truck is seen, it to could face the same fate.
I know those law enforcement agencies who continue to fight towing related crime will not be discouraged in their endeavor to seek justice for victims of criminal illegal towing and commend all of you for dedication, but will continue to protect the motoring public from unscrupulous towing companies, who continue to prey on our citizens.
Take in San Antonio, as of today, it's complete lawlessness for wrecker drivers, drivers have little chance of getting help from the San Antonio Police Department or TDLR, even when their right, about not having to pay the $120 drop fee. But this does little to console the single mom left stranded in a parking lot. The citizens of San Antonio are being screwed to the max, only because members of San Antonio City Council have made no attempt to regulate non-consent tow fees. Why should they have to pay $250, when the same fee is $150 in Austin?
Why the FBI is not looking into the corruption surrounding the ex San Antonio Mayor, City Council and City Manager's Office involvement in awarding a contract to Assured Towing Inc is mind boggling.
Refusing to regulate the towing fees and dissolving the wrecker enforcement unit to investigate valid criminal complaints of wrecker drivers and parking facilities violate the Civil Rights of everyone forced to pay a ransom to recover their possession.
By not regulating non-consent towing (private property impounds and wrecks), the public will always be taken advantage of, no doubt about it.
TDLR (Texas department of licensing and regulation) must to a better job of tracking their licensees, specifically wrecker drivers and vehicle storage facility employees, this agency's failures in regulating the towing industry, will result in permanent harm to our economy.
Complaints about damage to vehicles after being towed and personal property stolen are increasing. Consumers are disgusted with the run around by towing companies and TDLR about damage to their vehicles and rightfully they should be. The very compliance issues with the VSF (vehicle storage facility) are still lacking, as wrecker drivers continue to turn in an inventory of the vehicle, noting damage caused by the wrecker driver, as "prior damage".
I have discovered another unlicensed tow truck operating with a bogus license number, TDLR, APD and TSCAT all know about it, I''m sure this individual will be found.
The last unlicensed tow truck I reported was captured Jan 26th by Round Rock PD, impounded and driver sent walking, as I am sure if the above tow truck is seen, it to could face the same fate.
I know those law enforcement agencies who continue to fight towing related crime will not be discouraged in their endeavor to seek justice for victims of criminal illegal towing and commend all of you for dedication, but will continue to protect the motoring public from unscrupulous towing companies, who continue to prey on our citizens.