Every four years the Essential Services Commission conducts a review of accident towing and storage fees within Melbourne and the Mornington Peninsula.
Accident towing and storage charges are the only regulated towing fees in Victoria. Unregulated trade towing services include clearway, impound and breakdown towing.
The commission’s director of pricing Marcus Crudden says the consultation paper provides an opportunity for the industry and service users to provide feedback on the commission’s approach to reviewing fees and changes since the last review.
“We are looking for those in the accident towing industry and users of these services to provide feedback on any significant changes in the accident towing industry such as costs, revenue, demand or productivity.
“This could include any information that helps to quantify the impact of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said.
The commission’s review will recommend to the Minister for Roads whether current accident towing and storage fees are appropriate, if and how they should be adjusted, and whether fees for related services should be regulated.
The minister may only make a determination on these fees after receiving the commission’s recommendations and a report from the Department of Transport.
The consultation paper is the first step of the review, with another opportunity for stakeholders to provide feedback when the draft report is released in October 2021. The final report is planned to be provided to the minister in December 2021.
Submissions on this consultation paper can be made on our Engage Victoria page by 6 August 2021.
