Inquiry head and retired judge Michael Forde has released his report today and recommended the Government attack the hefty charges by capping fees for towing vehicles from private property at $250 for each standard job, down from the predatory extortionate charge of $660.
Independent Investigation into the Towing Industry: Removal of Vehicles from Private Property Report August 2017
The fee would factor in up to 72 hours of vehicle storage and $25-a-day cap would be put on storage fees for cars left in compounds beyond three days.
Tow fees to release cars loaded on to a truck but not yet moved would be limited to $150 while cars hooked on to tow trucks but not yet fully loaded would have to be released free of charge if an owner returns midway through the job.
Mr Forde has also proposed increasing fines for operators using unlicensed tow trucks from $252 to $1513 and boosting maximum court penalties for the offence to $20,184.
And drivers towing from private lots would for the first time be forced to hold a tow truck licence and operate in licenced trucks, bringing them into line with road crash towing standards.
The measure would also eliminate the use of “opportunistic” spotters, who currently earn up to $1000 a week covertly tipping off tow trucks waiting nearby to cars being parked without permission.
Licensed drivers working on private land would also be required to produce a document proving they have authority from the property owner to tow parked vehicles.
Mr Forde has also recommended the Government create a new unit in the Transport Department dedicated to policing the new rules.
His report makes a total 22 recommendations.
Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk said Cabinet would sign off on them tomorrow — lock, stock, and barrel.
“We intend to fast-track a suite of tough new laws to crack down on dodgy towing operators who have been ripping people off with exorbitant charges to reclaim their vehicles,” Ms Palaszczuk said.
“Queensland will take the lead, as no other state has yet passed laws to stop tow truck drivers harassing and intimidating car owners,” she said. “If you are involved in this — I warn you — we’re coming and you’re going.”
Mr Forde yesterday said he believed the recommendations “strike the right balance between the rights of private property owners, towing operators and motorists and would resolve many of the issues that prompted the investigation.”
Mr Forde has also proposed increasing fines for operators using unlicensed tow trucks from $252 to $1513 and boosting maximum court penalties for the offence to $20,184.
