CARRBORO – A week after the state Court of Appeals upheld Chapel Hill’s ability to enforce its towing laws, a Carrboro resident has filed a complaint against Barnes Towing for violating the Town Code.

Among the rules that Josh Arenth, the man in question, is accusing Barnes Towing of violating is exceeding the maximum $100 fine and not accepting payment by credit or debit card. Arenth says his car was towed from the Carr Mill Mall parking lot after he went to a nearby shop not served by the lot.

Carrboro Mayor Mark Chilton says multiple complaints have been filed against multiple towing companies in Carrboro, but town officials did not know to what authority they had to respond.

“With the recent decision in George’s Towing v. Town of Chapel Hill, I think it’s clear that we do have the power to act,” Chilton said.

The Superior Court ruled that Chapel Hill’s towing regulations, including maximum fines, easily accessible lots and acceptance of credit and debit cards, were unconstitutional. This made towns like Carrboro unsure of what enforceable power they had until the Court of Appeals’ overruling decision.

To act upon Town Code violations by towing companies, Mayor Chilton says the town must first receive a complaint from a citizen.

“When we receive complaints, we’re definitely taking them seriously and investigating,” Chilton said.

Barnes Towing released a statement saying they do not violate the Town Code and they are unaware of Arenth’s case.

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