A consultation led by Consumer Protection has found widespread concern about the tow truck industry in Western Australia, with respondents reporting price gouging and general bad behaviour.
In a statement, Consumer Protection said 90 per cent of those surveyed believed the industry should be regulated.
“The Government has agreed to reform the tow truck industry in order to protect people involved in traffic accidents,” the Agency said.
“Among the suggested reforms receiving strong support was a proposal to address the issue of excessive towing and storage costs by introducing price caps and registering storage depots,” it said.
Consumer Protection said there was also strong support for tow truck businesses and drivers to be licensed, with criminal background and association checks to be carried out as part of the application process.
“Licenses could then be suspended or cancelled for breaches of road laws, safety and fees,” Consumer Protection said.
“Responsibility for executing changes has now moved to the Department of Transport, which will present reform options to the State Government by mid-year.”
Consumer Protection noted the Department was also preparing amendments to the Road Traffic (Vehicles) Regulations 2014 to require maximum tow and storage fees be recorded on the tow truck driver’s statement, which is given to the person authorising the tow at the roadside.
The consultation report that summarises the feedback can be viewed on the Consumer Protection website at this PS News link.
