Philly considers tougher regulation of towing charges

A measure to more closely regulate private tow companies has been approved by a City Council committee and now moves on to the entire Council for consideration.

The legislation, which addresses towing vehicles from private lots and driveways, mandates specific fees and storage costs.

Car owner Aeesha Mosley testified Monday that she was the victim of an unscrupulous towing company. The storage fee portion of the bill she received not stated clearly enough, she said.

“They said city ordinance states they can charge whatever they want to charge when they tow your car,” she told committee members.

Councilman Bill Greenlee said he’s heard plenty from people scammed by towing companies.

“Unfortunately, these towing companies give out a lot of erroneous information — and that is one of many,” he said.

If approved by the full Council, the standard towing fee for a car would be $175  with a $25-a-day storage fee. Those charges would double for big trucks.