Law Would Let Drivers Fill Tires With Free Air At Hempstead Gas Stations

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Drivers routinely get some quarters ready whenever they need to fill their tires with air at a service station.

Compressed air machines charge a dollar or more, but now Town of Hempstead officials say they're ready to change that.

"Motorists will get free air, not hot air in the Town of Hempstead," Town Supervisor, Anthony Santino (R) said.

As CBS2's Brian Conybeare reported, Supervisor Santino's proposal would insure customers know that even if a station has a machine that charges for air, the law already gives them the right to get it for free, but only if they ask.

"We've received complaints that employees are evasive, saying things like 'the owner, or the manager isn't here right now,'" Santino said.

Most drivers told CBS2 they had no idea they could get free air in Hempstead.

"Eventually, you might think it's just a quarter or fifty cents, but it adds up and keeps adding up," Emily Widmaier said.

But gas station owners are threatening to sue if this becomes law because they said it would create an enormous burden on already financially strapped businesses, WCBS 880's Sophia Hall reported.

The Gasoline Retailers Association also said it will oppose the legislation.

Vendors who manufacture and service the machines say they can cost upwards of $2,000.

Local vendor Bill McCabe said free air could bankrupt his 33-year-old business.

"It would cause me to have to lay off several people. I have about 30 employees, 10 of them living in Hempstead. It would be quite devastating," he said.

McCabe pointed to a busted pump to explain that his machines are routinely vandalized or damaged by vehicle.

He's worried that the idea of free air will spread to other towns.

Many service stations already offer free air. Owners say it's a small cost that helps bring in more customers.

"We are a hometown business and to thank the customers for their loyalty to me, I can at least provide them with free air," Rudy Massa, Gasoline Heaven said.

Mass said he doesn't like the idea of towns mandating free air. The proposal will get its first public hearing on Tuesday.

If it's approved by the town board, Hempstead's free air law would go into effect in June. Violators could be ticketed.