The BC Government will be making a significant increase to storage and towing fees connected to people caught driving dangerously or impaired starting this Sunday, Sept. 1.
It says drivers engaging in behaviour such as impaired driving, excessive speeding, street racing, or those driving without a licence will face significantly higher fees for the towing and storage of their impounded vehicles.
“Too many lives have been lost due to reckless and dangerous driving, particularly this summer,” Public Safety and Solicitor General Mike Farnworth said.
“We’re making it clear that if you endanger others on our roads, you will face serious consequences, both criminally and financially.”
The increases include a flat-rate towing fee increase of 38 per cent to $110, and a storage fee increase of up to 96 per cent, up to $40 per day.
Officials say these increased fees “send a strong message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated on B.C.’s roads.”
“The fee increases are a necessary step in our ongoing commitment to public safety, ” Fiona Wilson, the president, BC Association of Chiefs of Police, added.
“By imposing stricter financial consequences on dangerous driving, we are sending a very clear message that reckless behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated. Our goal is to protect all road users and reduce the tragic loss of life that too often results from these preventable actions.”
The changes to the vehicle impoundment rates are as follows:
- Flat towing rate is rising from $79.78 to $110.
- Per-kilometre towing rate is rising from $2.41 to $3.32.
- Storage Zone 1 rate is rising from $23.98 to $40.
- Storage Zone 2 rate is rising from $22.89 to $38.18.
- Storage Zone 3 rate is rising from $20.71 to $38.18. (The City of Kamloops is located in this zone.)
- Storage Zone 4 rate is rising from $16.35 to $32. (Most of B.C. is located in this zone.)
- Dolly fee is rising from $35 to $40.
- Standby, recovery, cleanup, additional services, loading and securing fee is rising from $75.58 to $110.