BENGALURU, 27 MAY

The controversial vehicle towing policy, suspended in 2022, may soon be reintroduced in the city in a revised form, said Home Minister G Parameshwara on Tuesday.

The minister said discussions are underway to restart vehicle towing in the city to tackle worsening traffic congestion and rampant illegal parking. He said a meeting with senior officials was convened to explore a more regulated approach. 

"We won’t use private towing contractors this time. Department vehicles will be used, and clear instructions have been given to officials," he said.

Parameshwara was responding to the growing concern over Bengaluru’s traffic chaos, as well as the tragic death of a child in Mandya during a police checking. He criticised the officers involved in that case, calling their actions "inhuman".

He  said public welfare will guide the decision. "If towing helps people, we’ll consider it. If it becomes a nuisance, we won’t go ahead," he said.

The previous towing policy was scrapped in February 2022 by the Bommai government after public backlash and reports of misuse. Viral videos showed vehicles being lifted despite being legally parked and towing staff were accused of harassment. Earlier this year, the Bengaluru Traffic Police hinted at resuming towing in high-violation zones.