Yesterday the Mayor and I held a press conference announcing legislation to place a cap on what towing companies can charge for impounds from private property. This will address the excessive fees some towing companies charge, and protect consumers.
Currently, there are no laws limiting how much towing companies can charge for impounds off private property. The proposal would set a cap of $156.75 per hour for impounds on private property, and $15.50 for storage for up to 12 hours.
I believe it’s perfectly reasonable to charge people who park on private property when they aren’t authorized to do so. However, they shouldn’t have to pay whatever the towing company decides, no matter how high the rate. We need a fair rate.
The proposal would require a City license for towing companies and drivers, set operating and conduct standards, and require personnel to be available to release an impounded vehicle within 90 minutes 24 hours a day.
The proposal will be presented in the Government Performance and Finance Committee next month. I look forward to working with my colleagues on the Council to pass consumer protection legislation that eliminates price gouging, and is fair to towing companies that operate responsibly.
