HOUSTON -- A state senator called for a stop Wednesday to Houston's new controversial towing law, Local 2 reported.

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The new ordinance, Houston's SAFEclear program, has been under fire since its inauguration on Jan. 1.

It requires all stalled vehicles to be towed at the owner's expense after six minutes, which has drivers angry that they are forced to pay a fee for a service they do not want.

State Sen. John Whitmire said if the city does not issue a moratorium on the ordinance, he is prepared to take action at the state capital.

He said he is most concerned about residents who cannot afford the mandatory towing fee or who are not given enough time to fix their broken vehicles.

"They are implementing this policy without the common sense approach of allowing people, if they can (in a) timely and safe fashion fix their automobile, go on to work or go to school -- they're not being allowed to," Whitmire said.

SAFEclear wreckers charge a flat fee of $75 for the first five miles and $1.50 for every mile after. Credit cards and checks are accepted.

Wrecker drivers have also voiced complaints about communication problems.

Despite the controversy, Mayor Bill White is defending the program. He admits it's not perfect, but said it still clears traffic quicker.

"I don't know any district in the state House or the state Senate where people want more traffic congestion," he said.

Some City Council members urged the mayor Wednesday to make changes to the ordinance before Whitmire takes the issue to the state level.

White did not make any promises, but said the plan remains under review.