- 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.
As stated by 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."
