2005 - Another year, another asinine law

SAFEClear law angers Houstonians

Yes, Dear Reader, Houstonians are no longer allowed to change their own flat tires.

Once again, Houston's City Imperial High Council has proven that it has absolutely no concern for the rights of its citizens subjects. Houston's City Hall Imperial Palace has passed the SAFEClear law that requires all disabled vehicles on all city highways to be towed within six minutes. That's right. SIX MINUTES. Whether or not the owner of the vehicle wants it towed is completely irrelevant. Whether the vehicle is stalled, out of gas, or simply has a flat tire is also irrelevant. If the onwer has AAA or other Roadside Assistance programs - well, that simply doesn't matter, either - the vehicle will be towed anyway - at the owner's expense. AND, to add further difficulties, if the owner of said car is unable to pay for the towing on the spot then the vehicle gets impounded, taken to an "approved storage facility" where it is held hostage until the owner can pay the amount owed. Of course, outrageous daily standard storage fees apply.

Yesterday, alone, more than 90 vehicles were towed in accordance with this new law. I wonder how much money in the way of kickbacks Mayor Emperor Bill White, whose plan this is, is receiving from this.