Incident hotspots on major roadways are one step closer to having tow trucks on standby after a city committee approved their use.
The Land Use, Planning and Transportation committee approved recommendations to city council that one-time funding of $636,000 be taken from the city’s fiscal sustainability reserve for the year long pilot-project that would see tow trucks stationed at select locations on main commuter arteries to quickly clear traffic incidents.
Aldermen did grapple with the cost to taxpayers if the program were to be included in the regular operational budget.
“I’m uncomfortable with the idea of the taxpayer paying,” said Ald. John Mar, City administration was asked to bring back provisions for cost recovery, along with a report on the pilot project in January 2011.
Previous standby tow truck pilot projects have proven successful at improving the response to traffic, according to administration. The decision made at committee will still need to be approved at a regular council meeting.
