HOUSTON -- A Houston City Council member called for audit of the city's mandatory tow program, Safe Clear, Local 2 reported Thursday.

SAFEClear Towing Program Information Motorists' Bill Of Rights One-Year Report Harris County Motorist Assistance Program AAA Answers Member Questions SAFEClear Article Archive SAFEClear Questions/Complaints: File SAFEClear Complaint Online Phone: (713) 308-2568 E-Mail: autodealers@cityofhouston.net IN YOUR OPINION Safe Clear Relieved Congestion? Your Thoughts On Wrecker Policy

Councilwoman Shelley Sekula-Gibbs asked the city controller for a thorough accounting of the controversial program.

"It's important to know not only things about the efficiencies of the program, but it's also important to know the price tag of the program," she said.

Sekula-Gibbs is concerned that taxpayers are not getting their money's worth for the program.

"What resources are going to be cut? Is it going to be from the health department? Is it going to be from the police department? Where are we going to take the money in order to pay for Safe Clear?" she said.

On Tuesday, the mayor touted the program as a success story. It began on Jan. 1.

"This is one of the most cost-effective programs," Houston Mayor Bill White said.

The mayor confirmed that the price tag has risen to nearly $900,000, mainly due to the city offering free tows to some motorists.

"I'm very comfortable with $900,000 going to this program because 2 million people or 3 million people are benefiting by less congestion and fewer accidents and lives saved," Houston City Council member Michael Berry said.

The audit of Safe Clear is expected to take six months.

The Safe Clear city ordinance 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.