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 STAY CONNECTED Twitter YouTube Flickr |
Watch the video in low or high bandwidth |