WA will come into line with some of the other states with a raft of new rules around towing after accidents.
The new laws will 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 will also establish other safety standards and set fines and sanctions for operators who are caught breaking the law.
The Cook Government has introduced the Towing Services Bill 2024 into State Parliament to create a safe, fair and efficient crash towing industry for drivers and reputable towing companies.
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.
WA minister assisting the Transport Minister David Michael said the department of transport will work with the industry to implement the reforms with setting and enforcement of maximum charges in the Perth and Peels regions priority.
“We are putting unscrupulous tow truck drivers and operators on notice with the introduction of the Towing Services Bill 2024 into State Parliament today,” Michael says.
“Criminal elements in this industry need to know that we will not tolerate unethical and intimidatory behaviour. This legislation also aims to protect lawful family towing businesses.