- Towing Services Bill 2024 is now before State
Parliament
- Regulation will eliminate unscrupulous practices
from the crash towing industry in WA
- Reforms include caps on charges for the towing
and storage of light vehicles involved in crashes in the Perth and Peel regions
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
introduction of this legislation follows extensive consultation involving
Consumer Protection, WA Police, the Department of Transport (DoT), WorkSafe and
the towing and insurance industries.
Tough
new regulations will prevent some unscrupulous elements from predatory
behaviours in the crash towing
industry targeting drivers who have just been involved in crashes, then
applying excessive charges for the towing and storage of vehicles.
The legislation will
support the following crash towing reforms:
- Price regulation to establish maximum charges
for the towing and storage of light vehicles involved in a crash in the Perth
and Peel regions, with the ability to expand to other regions or forms of
towing if required;
- Safety
standards for towing workers and towing service providers who provide crash
towing services across the State;
- The
banning of advertising, or payment of spotter's fees across the State;
- Occupational
authorisation for towing workers and towing service providers who provide crash
towing services, including fit and proper character provisions across the State;
and
- Establishment
of penalties and legal sanctions, including enforcement capabilities and powers
for DoT.
Comments attributed to Minister Assisting the Transport Minister David
Michael:
"We are putting unscrupulous
tow truck drivers and operators on notice with the introduction of the Towing Services Bill 2024 into State Parliament today.
"The Cook Government has prioritised regulation of this industry and I
welcome the introduction of this Bill.
"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.
"DoT will continue to work with industry and stakeholders as the reforms
are delivered in a phased approach, with the setting and enforcement of maximum
crash towing and storage charges in the Perth and Peels regions a matter of
priority."
