West Berkeley rep wants to make it easier for city to tow RVs

"Some business owners in West Berkeley say RV outposts, like this one on Dwight Way, have driven down business. Amber Whitson, who lives in one of the RVs, acknowledged that some troubling folks have come and gone, but said she tries to keep her part of the neighborhood tidy. Credit: Alex N. Gecan/Berkeleyside A Berkeley councilmember wants to make it easier for the city to tow RVs and other large vehicles off local roads, especially if they pose environmental hazards or are blocking roadways."

"Councilmember Terry Taplin, who represents Southwest Berkeley, has introduced legislation that would allow city workers to tow abandoned vehicles from city streets rather than just from private property, as is currently allowed. Taplin has also asked that the city administration come up with a more thorough RV parking policy and enforcement framework for Berkeley, and to consider restrictions specific to high-sensitivity neighborhoods like manufacturing areas or near bodies of water where people who live in recreational vehicles often congregate."

"Towing an RV can be more difficult than towing a passenger car, both practically and legally. It's not always clear-cut when a city like Berkeley has the authority to do it, Taplin said. The California Vehicle Code and Fourth Amendment, which bans unreasonable seizures, make it a particularly thorny issue. The city should have a crystal-clear set of criteria and circumstances, Taplin told Berkeleyside in a phone interview. That's why I'm seeking guidance from the city manager and city attorney, because it isn't quite clear."

Councilmember Terry Taplin proposed legislation to allow city workers to tow abandoned vehicles from city streets rather than only from private property. Taplin requested a comprehensive RV parking policy and enforcement framework and urged consideration of restrictions in high-sensitivity neighborhoods such as manufacturing areas and locations near bodies of water. The proposal follows a prior Berkeley City Council decision to adopt a more aggressive policy for closing homeless encampments and sweeping camps under several circumstances. Towing RVs presents practical and legal challenges under the California Vehicle Code and the Fourth Amendment. Taplin sought guidance from the city manager and city attorney while state bills could alter local authority.

Read at www.berkeleyside.org