Towing Issues: Towing over speed bumps, strata council, tow dollies


Question
Our strata council recently installed a ton of speed bumps in our underground parkade.  Many of the residents are upset over the height, shape and quantity of speed bumps.  We are trying to build a case to have them removed or altered.

These speed bumps are 3 inches tall, 9.5 inches along the bottom, and are the plastic ones that bolt to the ground.  They are very harsh to drive over, and feel like curbs rather than rounded humps.

One concern of mine is if a car needs to be towed from the parkade.  It is a large parkade with six levels.  From the bottom level to the entrance, there are 18 speed bumps.  I am frightened to think about what would happen to my car.  It is lowered with appoximately 3.5 - 4 inches of ground clearance.

Could you please offer me your perspective from a tow company?  Currently we have a contract with a local tower.  Would each and every tow now require a flat deck?  Is it possible to tow vehicles over so many speed bumps of this nature without potentially causing damage?  

If I can demostrate these speed bumps are a hinderance to having vehicles towed from the parkade, it will help my case to have them removed.

Thank you very much.

Answer
From a towing stand point speed bumps are not a problem or cause damage with an experienced tow operator. The operator should CREEP over the speed bump and preferably at a slight angle. Rollback towing may not be an option due to ceiling clearance. As for lowered vehicles with spoilers and ground effects, tow dollies work the best. The type of speed bump mentioned is designed to be creeped over by the vehicle's driver. Vehicle speed is the key to avoid any possible damage or accelerated wear and tear to the vehicle, whether it is driven by the owner or towed. Hopefully the petition by the residents the speed bump issue will dissolve but from the tower's perspective there isn't much information that will help your case.