Capped prices for towing and storage after vehicle crashes and breakdowns have now been locked in WA.
The new laws regulate prices and set maximum charges for the towing and storage involved in a crash in the Perth and Peel regions and the banning of advertising, or payment of spotter’s fees across the State.
It also establishes other safety standards and set fines and sanctions for operators who are caught breaking the law of up to $45,000.
Outside of the capital area the government says “charges for all other crash towing and storage across the State are to be reasonable,” but did not specify exactly how this would work in Australia’s largest state and one of its most sparsely-populated.
The impact of the changes on the car owners and the crash repairers aiming to fix their cars after towing is still to be seen but the WA government says safety, fairness and efficiency are driving the change.
“Increased penalties are also on the way for towing workers and towing service providers who breach the requirement of the Authority to Tow form or who behave unacceptably,” it said in a statement.
The Towing Services Bill 2024 passed State Parliament in an effort to reform elements of the WA industry.
The changes follow other states including NSW, Queensland and Victoria that have regulated towing industries that prohibit excessive charging for towing and storage after accidents.
They also prohibit the touting of particular repairers to drivers and establish the right of the accident driver to determine where the vehicle is towed.
Safer and fairer
WA minister assisting the Transport Minister David Michael said the department of transport will work with the industry to implement the reforms.
“The passing of the Towing Services Bill means that the Cook Government can now rebuild the reputation of WA’s crash towing industry – making it safe, fair, efficient and affordable for the people of WA.
“The public should be aware of the immediate ban on spotter fees, which means the towing industry cannot advertise or offer spotter fees to the community. It is also an offence for members of the public to receive spotter fees.
“I encourage the WA crash towing industry and the community to register their interest for regular updates on the reforms as they progress.”
The Department of Transport will commence industry information sessions on the new regulations and reforms.
More information about towing available at the Department of Transport website.