In the event that it is necessary to unload a vehicle which
has been used for transportation of goods prior to or after towing,
an agreement shall be reached between the wrecker and the owner of
the vehicle or the owner's agent or representative as to the
charge for said service. No written agreement is necessary in an emergency
situation, and the head of the Police Department, Emergency Management
Coordinator or his designee shall determine when an emergency situation
exists.
Every wrecker called by the Police Department shall keep a record
of the name and address of the owner of the towed vehicle. Prior to
towing the vehicle from the scene of the accident or incident, the
operator of the wrecker shall inspect the vehicle and hold for safekeeping
property contained in the vehicle. A police officer shall countersign
the list of property so prepared and a copy shall be retained with
the accident or incident report. No junkyard or other site except
the premises of the registered owner of the vehicle or authorized
storage area of the wrecker will be used as a depository for wrecked
vehicles. If the area to be used for storage be leased by the wrecker,
the lease shall extend to a time at least six months after the termination
of the contract with the municipality. The storage area shall be reasonably
accessible to the public. The storage area must be enclosed by a fence
of sturdy construction and at least six feet in height. The secured
storage area shall be sufficient to accommodate 20 vehicles having
four or more wheels. There must be inside storage available for motorcycles.
The wrecker's place of business and/or storage area must conform
to the applicable zoning code regulations.
No wrecker shall be called until the Chief of Police has ascertained
that the following requirements have been met:
A. The insurance policies as required have been supplied;
B. The vehicle to be used for towing has been properly licensed and
inspected by the State of New Jersey and has the necessary stickers
affixed. No vehicle shall be licensed as a wrecker which is using
dealer license plates or which has failed inspection. Each vehicle
shall be equipped with a shovel, broom and other equipment necessary
to clean up broken glass and debris;
C. The requirements of this chapter and all other relevant laws, statutes
and ordinances have been met;
D. The wrecker's equipment shall be available seven days a week
and 24 hours a day.
Nothing in this chapter shall abrogate or in any way diminish
the rights of the vehicle owner to make his own selection of a wrecker,
except where the vehicle presents a real and immediate hazard to the
public safety.
[Amended at time of adoption of Code (see Ch. 1, General
Provisions, Art. III)]
Any person violating any of the provisions of this chapter or part thereof shall, upon conviction, be subject to the penalty in Chapter
1, Article
II, General Penalty, of the Code of the Township of Edgewater Park.