Rantoul reviewing proposal to impound more vehicles
RANTOUL – Towing companies could see more business in Rantoul after May 13.
The Rantoul Police Department has proposed toughening village ordinances that allow officers to seize and impound vehicles used by persons accused of crimes.
Under the current ordinance, enacted in June 2005, police may seize vehicles when a person is arrested for driving under the influence without a driver's license and when the driver possesses 30 or more grams of marijuana.
On Tuesday, Rantoul Police Lt. Glenn Williams asked the board to allow police to impound vehicles any time a motorist is arrested for:
– Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs (with or without a license).
– Possessing or delivering drugs or drug paraphernalia.
– Using a motor vehicle while committing a weapons offense.
– Driving with a suspended or revoked license.
– Fleeing or attempting to elude police.
– Playing loud music.
All violators would be required to pay a $500 fine and any storing and towing fees before they could get their vehicles back.
"I believe this will help us to improve the quality of life in Rantoul," Williams said.
The village board will vote on the proposal at its meeting at 6:15 p.m. May 13 at the Rantoul Municipal Building, 333 S. Tanner St.
Williams told the board that Peoria collected $1 million in additional fines over two years after it enacted a similar ordinance in 2006.
Rantoul Mayor Neal Williams said he supports the proposal.
"I think enacting this ordinance will go a long way to improving the quality of life here in Rantoul," Neal Williams said. "That's more important than any money we would collect. I think the village board will embrace this idea."
Trustee Joe Bolser said he also likes the idea.
"Anything that improves the community has to be good for us," Bolser said.
But village board member Herman Fogal said he had concerns over seizing vehicles playing loud music.
"To me, determining whether the volume is too loud is a grey area, but I guess we'll cross that bridge when we come to it," Fogal said.
AP Video
Also on this date
- Judge denies Arnette's request for change of venue
- Township property tax proposal will be on fall ballot
- Urbana school board OKs measure to seek new sales tax
- Champaign County nursing home's finances on agenda
- Pedestrian died from spinal, cerebral injuries in accident
- Tolono man sentenced to 20 years for rape, burglary
- Two men charged in Ford County drug investigation
- C-U Public Health District asking Christian clinic to leave
- Urbana Middle School students stay late after gas leak
- Sidney officials discuss ways to remove old water plant
- 1899 Urbana home burns in early morning fire
- C-U Linens 'n Things not among 4 closing
- Passenger questioned over toy pistol
- Letter carriers to collect food on Saturday
- UI researcher: Cells could be super sensors
- School districts still await state money
- Despite economy, local arts group keeps grants coming
- Police warn about congestion as students depart
- Mattoon official making trip to Capitol Hill for FutureGen
- Heir apparent to be nominated for county engineer's post
- Car detailer wins zoning permit
- Obituaries