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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 246-11
July 11, 2011

MAYOR BLOOMBERG SIGNS LEGISLATION INCREASING RATES AND PENALTIES FOR PRIVATE TOWING IN THE CITY

Remarks by Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg at a Public Hearing on Local Laws

"The next bill before me is Introductory Number 201-A, sponsored by Council Members Reyna, Comrie, Dromm, Koslowitz, Rose, Vann, Williams, Levin, and Gennaro.  Introductory Number 201-A increases both the rates and penalties for private towing in the City.

"When distressed New Yorkers call for a tow truck, they need to know that they're receiving top-notch service - and that they're not being taken for a ride.  Because tow operators haven't received a rate increase in nearly a decade, this bill helps them make a decent living.  But the bill also puts into place important consumer protections, ensuring that motorists who need towing are treated fairly and that the bad actors - those tow operators who fare gouge, refuse service, or don't accept credit cards, to name a few - are properly penalized, and in some cases, taken off the road.

"Effective November 8th, Introductory Number 201-A increases the rates for towing, in most cases to $125 plus storage fees.  Penalties will also increase; fines that previously ranged from between $250 and $2,000 will now range between $500 and $3,000, and up to ninety days imprisonment.  There are also additional provisions for mandatory license suspension and revocation for repeated violators.

I would like to thank Consumer Affairs Commissioner Jonathan Mintz and his staff for their work on this bill along with my Office of City Legislative Affairs.  I would also like to thank the City Council for approving this legislation."







MEDIA CONTACT:


Stu Loeser/Evelyn Erskine   (212) 788-2958



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