On July 1, UT will no longer be towing vehicles, but will begin installing wheel locks in the majority of cases.
Towing was mostly confined to vehicles whose owners had multiple unpaid parking and traffic fines. Wheel locks now will be used to temporarily disable these vehicles until the owner pays previous unpaid fines. The locks also may be used if an enforcement officer notices that a driver is using a stolen or counterfeited handicapped parking permit.
Drivers whose vehicles have been locked can pay their outstanding fines at the Parking and Transit Services office during business hours, at the UT Police Department after hours, and online at any time. Window stickers placed on the driver’s side of locked vehicles will have contact information and the Web address for paying online. Once the fees are paid, a technician will remove the lock from the wheel.
Use of the wheel locks removes the chance of damaging the vehicle by towing and eliminates the stress of not knowing the vehicle’s location. It reduces the inconvenience of seeking alternate transportation to the impound lot and saves money for the university, since the cost of towing a vehicle continues to rise.
Towing will not be completely eliminated. If there is an emergency situation, or if a vehicle is blocking access and the owner cannot be located, the vehicle will be towed.
Wheel locks will be used only on vehicles parked on university property and will not be used on vehicles parked on city streets.
For more information, contact the UT Parking and Transit Services Office at 974-6031
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C O N T A C T :
Charles Primm (865-974-5180, charles.primm@tennessee.edu)