Transport Authority Ensuring Adherence to New Wrecking Fees

The Transport Authority (TA) is closely monitoring wrecker operators to ensure that they adhere to the new fee structure, says the entity’s Managing Director, Ralston Smith.

He warned that “any of those wrecker operators who overcharge will not have anything to do with the Authority”.

Under the new standardised rates, which took effect on January 2, the charge for towing cars from within five kilometres of a pound will increase from $8,000 to $12,000, with the per-kilometre rate over that distance moving from $400 to $600.

For larger vehicles like trucks, as well as Hiace and Coaster buses, the five-kilometre towing fee will be increased from $15,000 to $22,500, and the per-kilometre additional rate will move from $400 to $800.

Also, the no-key towing fee for cars will go up from $3,000 to $4,500, while the rate for larger vehicles will increase from $3,000 to $6,000.

Addressing a recent virtual meeting organised by the Transport Operators Development Sustainable Services (TODSS), Mr. Smith explained that prior to the new fees, some operators were charging up to $20,000 or towing cars.

He said the TA worked out “what we felt was reasonable and brought those arbitrary rates down, so, while on the face of it there is a movement from the previous rates, it is still a significantly lower rate than what they were charging”.

Noting that there has been no fee adjustment for 12 years, Mr. Smith said what was in place was not enforceable by law, and the agency has now put together a “legally binding agreement”.

“Now, they (wrecker operators) are subject to consequences. We have put measures in place to standardise the rates and we are monitoring those rates, so you will see a difference going forward,” he noted.

The Transport Authority is charged with responsibility for the licensing of all public and commercial vehicles and regulating and monitoring of public transportation in Jamaica.