HOUSTON -- A local group gave a green light Thursday to the mayor's plan to save the Safe Clear towing ordinance by donating vehicles to a motorist assistance program, Local 2 reported in an exclusive story.

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The Houston Automobile Dealer's Association said it would provide 10 new trucks to MAP -- Harris County's Motorist Assistance Program. MAP, operated by the county and funded through donations and grants, provides assistance to stranded motorists on freeways for no charge.

"This is a really quantum leap. This will double the size or more of MAP and more people on the freeways are going to be assisted," said Walter Wainwright, with the Houston Automobile Dealer's Association.

On Tuesday night, Houston Mayor Bill White and State Sen. John Whitmire reached an agreement to link the two programs and end the fight to have state lawmakers stop Safe Clear. Details are still being worked out. An official announcement is expected within the next several days.

Wainwright said the Houston Automobile Dealer's Associated helped create MAP in 1986. Since then, deputies have helped 600,000 motorists.

"Everything in MAP is free. When a tow truck arrives, people get to thinking about money -- money that they don't have a lot of times. What would you rather have?" said Dep. Leroy Deckard, with MAP.

"Some people may not need to be moved for that assistance and the MAP vehicles are great for that. But we need more of them out there, especially during the morning rush hour and the evening rush hour," White said.

METRO police officers could also be tapped to help stranded motorists, sources told Local 2.

The Safe Clear city ordinance, which went into effect on Jan. 1, requires licensed tow-truck operators to remove disabled vehicles from Houston's freeway within six minutes.

Motorists are not allowed to change flat tires on freeway shoulders, leave vehicles to get fuel or call their own help. Towing companies who have contracts with the city charge $75 for the first five miles for disabled vehicles and $1.50 for each additional mile. The tow cannot exceed $124.

Drivers with flat tires, empty gas tanks and easy-to-fix problems not in main lanes of traffic are eligible for a free tow up to one mile with Safe Clear.