Michael Foley, Manager, Mobile Licensing Enforcement, provided an overview of the collision re-tow rate; highlighting the following
- refresher on section 28 of the bylaw ( re-tow rates from vehicle pound facilities)
- Impact comparison of when consumers know where they want the vehicle taken vs. when the consumer doesn't know where they want the vehicle taken
- staff reviewed rates from sixty three tow service providers to determine the value of re-tow rates, and explained the value
- staff reviewed the history of the current rate and noted that the last review was conducted in 2011 and explained the increase based on the inflation rate.
Mr. Foley, noted that staff are seeking the Towing Industry Advisory Committee’s input for staff to prepare a recommendation report to the Towing Industry Advisory Committee and subsequently to Council on what is an appropriate re-tow charge, if the consumer does not direct the tow and the vehicle is held at the pound facility.
Councillor Parrish inquired regarding what other jurisdictions are charging and noted that she would need more data in order to make a decision. Jonathan De Luliis, provided the re-tow rates charged by other municipalities and noted that each tow service provider in Toronto has its own rates and that the City of Toronto does not determine the re-tow rates and that the re-tow rates are not regulated by the by-law.
Michael Foley, Manager, Mobile Licensing Enforcement, explained other municipalities’ practices of what tow and re-tow rates are allow and/or limited.
Councillor Starr agreed that we need more data to determine whether rates can be increased reasonable based on what other jurisdictions.
Armando Tallarico, Citizen Member spoke in support of increasing the re-tow rate.
Tullio Pento, Citizen Member, noted that tow averages need to be identified based on whether the tow is an accident tow or contract tow; the increase of operating costs to tow service providers, and spoke in support of increasing the re-tow rates.
Councillor Parrish suggested that she send staff a series of question before next meeting in order for staff to provide more detailed information that is fair to the to the drivers and protection for the consumer.
Sam Rogers, Director, Enforcement commented on the discussion noting that the intent of bringing this subject matter for discussion was to obtain feedback from the Committee on key factors that the Committee would like staff to assess and report back on.
Councillor Parrish added that she would like to see more details on the rates and practices for the City of Toronto.
Councillor Carlson suggested that the rates be reviewed every couple of years to make necessary rate adjustments
Robert Flunney, Citizen Members, agrees the re-tow rates should continue to be regulated and is in support of increasing re-tow rates.
Councillor Starr directed staff to report back to the Towing Industry Advisory Committee with more statistical data from other municipalities, especially the City of Toronto.