MANCHESTER, NH – I heard that during the most recent “winter parking emergency” on Jan. 26 the city towed 194 vehicles. Manchester leadership still doesn’t comprehend what they are doing with snow emergency towing – but they managed to double towing fees as the solution to a problem they never (or could not) define*.
Let me explain.
In 2015, the only comprehensive study of Manchester, NH Snow Emergency Towing was completed as part of a University of New Hampshire Capstone analysis. Located here and downloaded over 2,600 times, the 41-page study concluded:
- The administration of the towing procedures by the City of Manchester (DPW, MPD, towing companies and related entities) is executed by competent personnel with the essential mission of keeping the city streets and sidewalks clear of snow and ice.
- The citizens who have their vehicles towed are typically unaware of the towing policies (62%) and where/when to move their vehicles in order not to be towed.
- Young citizens, newly arrived residents, lower income citizens and minorities were towed at a higher rate than others… up to 2 ½ times more.
- Paraphrased: …for some reason the City of Manchester tows more vehicles by a historical factor of nine times (9x) compared to average of other cities in our region.
In subsequent media interviews over the years, I have concluded that:
For a city that does not want to tow vehicles and for owners of vehicles that do not want to be towed, Manchester tows more vehicles than any other city in the northeast by population density, population and geographic area.
I have met with aldermen in the past about this issue. I have received criticism by former mayors (one who resides in Florida during the winter and has a three-car garage here at home) that my Capstone study was flawed. And, the solution everyone came up with was:
Do not review the facts or data. Just double the towing fines. Next issue…..
I was sitting in the audience when they made that silly decision and no one bothered to ask me about the data or facts…. So, I left for the Shaskeen to have a Guinness!
My recommendation now is the same as it was in 2015:
It is suggested that the Mayor and Board of Aldermen appoint a special study committee staffed by all the stakeholders (public and private) involved and affected by the Snow Emergency towing in order to develop mitigating procedures and policies to reduce the number of vehicles towed and address the negative impact on the community.
WHY is this important? The City of Manchester is constantly trying to entice people to ‘live, work and play’ in our city. But, the data shows those being towed are of the target audience for that message. People getting their cars towed are not stupid (see the data in the report) and hitting them with a $200 cash fine is not very ‘enticing’….
I would be willing to assist the Mayor/BoA if they want to learn more.
*PS: Mayor Ruais, it’s easier than Army MDMP: I suggest the following:
- Get the facts/data
- Propose/define the problem
- Refine the facts/data
- Propose solutions
- Implement the best one….monitor and Go to #1 if needed.
I had to wear this notice on my hat during the 2015 survey because there were so many angry people who got towed, I didn’t want to be associated with the towing operation. Maybe the Mayor and BoA should go to the impound lot on the east side next towing operation… but you can’t have my hat!