The Birmingham City Council Tuesday unanimously approved updates to ordinances governing towing, a subject that has been a sore point for drivers subject to what they have called “predatory towing” for years.

Under the newly updated ordinances, lot owners will be required to implement new uniform signage and tow truck drivers will have to have identification.

Lot owners will have 60 days to place the new signs but can work with the Birmingham Department of Transportation (BDOT) if they encounter any issues that prevent them from doing so, said Julie Bernard of the city attorney’s office.

Other amendments to the ordinances will be enforced much sooner – specifically changes requiring towing companies to provide the city with a list of all their drivers, who will either have to wear I.D. tags or keep them on their person to provide if asked, Bernard said. As of Sept. 12, the city did not provide a specific time frame lot owners must comply with these amendments.

Helen Hays, who previously had a negative experience with local towing company Parking Enforcement Systems (PES), is optimistic about this week’s changes.