MILWAUKEE — Milwaukee’s mayor and police chief provided an update on the city’s new tow policy that went into effect on May 1, 2022.
The policy allows police officers to tow vehicles when drivers are cited for an unregistered vehicle and receive a citation for any of the following violations:
- Reckless Driving
- Excessive Speeding (25 MPH+)
- Fleeing from Officers
- Drag Racing
In the past five months, more than 100 vehicles have been towed as a result of this policy. Half of those cars were being driven by someone who did not own the vehicle. Also, more than half of the drivers did not have a valid driver’s license, according to MPD.
About 85 percent of the cars towed were from police stops for speeding. The average speed over the limit was 31 miles per hour and the highest speed over the limit was 52 miles per hour.
This tow policy has resulted in six arrests so far. Of the six arrests, three individuals were arrested for illegally carrying firearms and/or drugs, two individuals were arrested for driving recklessly endangering safety, and one individual was arrested for driving while revoked due to alcohol.
MORE COVERAGE: Milwaukee enforcing new tow policy to curb reckless driving
“It’s working,” said Milwaukee Police Chief Jeffrey Norman. “We are putting the effort in, and there are real results.”
Sixteen of the 100 cars towed by police were never picked up from the tow lot.
“If you do not come to the tow lot and have proper credentials, or you don’t get your vehicle registered, or you don’t get insurance, your vehicle will be auctioned off or disposed of,” said Milwaukee Mayor Cavalier Johnson.
This effort goes hand in hand with Milwaukee recently becoming a Vision Zero City. Leaders are pledging to take targeted action, so there are zero traffic-related deaths or serious injuries in the city by March of 2037.
That’s a 15-year goal worth working for, but is it enough right now?
“You’re right, this will take time to implement these things,” said Mayor Johnson. “As we talk about changing roadways and behavior, that’s not going to happen in one week or one year. But that’s where resources like our tow policy, and the personnel on the ground today help make an impact in the interim. The safe driving education component over time will help mitigate the problem as well.”
For more information regarding the Milwaukee Police Department’s tow policy and traffic safety unit visit MPDTSU.org.
