Ft Worth Times

City Council on Tuesday will vote on a new contract with a towing vendor that includes higher costs for police-ordered tows.

Why it matters: Police-ordered tows can result from traffic accidents, motor vehicle violations or breakdowns on roadways. Tows are requested by police personnel to clear disabled vehicles, contributing to safer roadways.

The City contracts with AutoReturn, a California-based company, to coordinate dispatching local towing operators.

By the numbers: These recommended towing fee amounts will go into effect Oct. 1:

• Light- or medium-duty tow, $180, an increase of $30.
• Heavy-duty tow: $300, an increase of $50.
• Extra time: $120, an increase of $20.

City personnel compared recommended fees with those in other Texas cities when considering the increases.

Why it’s needed: The last time tow fees were increased was in 2018. City personnel met with local tow operators earlier this year to receive feedback before seeking bids on a City contract. The increase is proposed to cover escalating fuel charges, tolls and other increased costs facing towing companies since 2018.

Limits for towing charges are set by the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.

Original source can be found here.