Ameera Shaheed, a disabled grandmother in Wilmington, Delaware, found herself entangled in a legal battle over $340 in parking fines. Despite parking her vehicle legally, she received repeated tickets, which she believed would be dismissed in court. The situation escalated when the city impounded her vehicle, demanding immediate payment before her court hearing. Without her car, Shaheed faced severe mobility challenges, highlighting the critical role her vehicle played in her daily life.
Living on a fixed income, Shaheed lacked the funds to pay the fines within the city’s 30-day window. As a result, her car, valued at over $4,000, was sold by a private tow company to settle the debt. Shaheed received no compensation for the significant difference in value, leaving her devastated and unable to purchase a replacement vehicle. This loss amplified her frustration, as the city’s actions threatened to repeat with future vehicles.
Feeling wronged by the city’s towing practices, Shaheed joined forces with another affected resident, Earl Dickerson, to file a lawsuit in 2021. The legal battle challenged Wilmington’s towing policies, which allowed vehicles to be sold without proper compensation or alternatives for owners. The case underscored broader issues of fairness and due process for individuals facing parking violations in the city.
Court Decision Ends Unfair Towing Practices
In December, a Delaware court ruled in favor of Shaheed and Dickerson, ordering compensation for their losses and ending the controversial towing system. The court mandated that Wilmington implement significant changes, including providing repeated notices before towing vehicles in non-emergency situations. These measures aimed to ensure fairness and prevent residents from losing valuable property over minor infractions.
Under the revised system, residents can retrieve impounded vehicles without upfront payments, provided they attend a hearing or agree to a payment plan. The city also introduced easier payment options and more accessible hearings for parking violations. Shaheed expressed relief at the changes, stating, “Wilmington treated so many of us unfairly, but the city has done the right thing and created a fair impound system.” This resolution marked a step toward justice for residents affected by the city’s previous practices.