It is the intention of these specifications to describe the requirements
for the towing by private towing firms of abandoned, disabled, illegally parked
vehicles, stolen vehicles, vehicles involved in accidents within the Township
of Hardyston, vehicles suspected of involvement in crimes located within the
Township of Hardyston and other vehicles identified by the Hardyston Township
Police Department when requested by the Police Department of the Township
of Hardyston, New Jersey.
Towing companies shall agree to provide the Township of Hardyston Chief
of Police, or his or her designee, with the following information prior to
being considered for placement and inclusion on a list of available towing
companies to be selected and used on a rotating basis:
A. Towing companies must provide to the Township of Hardyston
Police Department a detailed listing of the equipment to be utilized during
the term of any agreement for towing/wrecker services to be executed between
the Township of Hardyston and towing companies. The listing shall include
the following information: Type of vehicle(s), storage location for vehicle(s)
and whether vehicle(s) is owned or leased. All leased and rented equipment
must be permanently located at the contractor's place of business or residence,
provided that such location is in conformity with state law, federal law and
local ordinances. Equipment to be used under this chapter which does not meet
these minimum standards shall not be used during the term of an agreement.
The towing companies will be solely responsible for the safety, maintenance
and operation of each piece of equipment utilized or required during the term
of an agreement.
B. Towing companies shall be required to operate towing
vehicles in compliance with all applicable state and federal statutes and
regulations and within the vehicle manufacturer's design specifications.
C. Towing companies shall carry on or within each vehicle
four one-gallon containers of Speedi-Dri or an acceptable substitute for spreading
on and around spilled antifreeze or other automobile fluids at the scene to
safeguard against slippery road conditions for police and first aid vehicles,
passing vehicles and similar vehicles. The Speedi-Dri or an acceptable substitute
shall later be dissipated in accordance with hazardous waste disposal regulations
by the towing operator.
D. Towing companies shall be responsible for cleanup of
all broken glass and debris at the scene of accidents or when called to a
scene in accordance with N.J.S.A. 39:4-56.8.
E. To be prepared to carry out the requirements of Subsection
D above, each and every towing company vehicle will carry a broom, shovel and waste receptacle.
F. Towing companies must ensure that all of their employees
and authorized agents follow the instructions and/or orders of the police
officer from the Hardyston Township Police Department at towing scenes.
In all dealings with the public in connection with their agreements,
representatives of the towing companies are expected to act in a professional
manner at all times and to be courteous and respectful to members of the public.
While members of the public, especially those whose vehicles may have been
towed or impounded, may at times resort to strong language, threats or unbecoming
behavior that may be directed to the representatives of the towing companies,
such towing company representatives are expected to exercise restraint and
shall not respond in kind, thereby causing an unfavorable reflection of their
business. If such circumstances occur, the Township of Hardyston Police Department
should be contacted to keep the peace.
The owner of any vehicle towed shall have the right to remove personal
property belonging to him or her from the stored vehicle (unless a "police
hold" is marked on the towing form), upon mutual agreement of the towing company
and the owner of the vehicle. Belongings removed after the vehicle is stored
will be so noted on towing/impound form (H.T.P.D. #15), with date, time and
initials of owner and tow company representative.