Impounding Uninsured Vehicles Proposal Before El Paso City Council

Written for kvia.com by Anchor/Reporter Stephanie Valle

EL PASO, TX — The controversial proposal is once again in the spotlight at City Hall.

Today, city representatives are scheduled to vote on a plan to impound vehicles that do not have insurance.

El Paso Police Chief Greg Allen has been the proponent of the issue, saying his office has been inundated with residents asking for some action to be taken against those who drive without any coverage.

Chief Allen says the police department has been studying the problem for two years.

While opponents say it is unfair to punish those who cannot afford insurance by forcing them to pay to remove their cars from impound, Allen says he is proposing an impound fee of $60.

Last year, police cited 51,000 drivers for failure to show proof of insurance.

Officers ticketed 4,000 others during traffic crashes for the same violation.

City representatives are set to discuss the issue during their 9 A.M. meeting today (Tuesday).

Las Cruces city councilors are also looking into a similar proposal.