Owner/Driver #339

THE GOODS NEWS FROM THE HIGHWAY AND BEYOND
Warning for warring tow truck drivers
Western Sydney tow truck turf war on NSW
government’s radar
THE NEW SOUTH WALES GOVERNMENT reports
that it is cracking down on rivalries between
rogue tow truck companies that has seen
anti-social behaviour spill onto the streets of
western Sydney.
Minister for Better Regulation Kevin Anderson
said the turf war has drawn the attention of NSW
Fair Trading and NSW Police, which recently issued
notices to 35 trucks from the Blacktown, Mt Druitt
and Penrith regions to present for inspection
following an increase in anti-social incidents on
Sydney streets.
Several trucks were issued with breaches for
offences under the Tow Truck Industry Act, while
NSW Police identified issues relating to work
diaries and vehicle defects, and NSW Transport
issued 23 minor and two major defects for
mechanical issues.
“We have strong laws to regulate this industry
and we won’t hesitate to use them,” Anderson says.
“These inspections are a warning to any tow
truck company or driver thinking of engaging
in anti-social or criminal behaviour that we are
watching and will call them in if we have to. The
party’s over.
“I intend to keep these operations running for
as long as they are needed to remind these rogue
operators that bad behaviour will not be tolerated.
“The Tow Truck Investigation Unit will continue
to closely monitor this situation and if needed
will team up with law enforcement to come down
hard on anyone doing the wrong thing.”
The NSW government says criminal behaviour
has pervaded the tow truck industry for decades,
with the Act first being introduced in 1998
following an escalation of violence among
companies.
“Motorists who’ve broken down or been in an
accident don’t deserve to be harassed or pressured
by operators looking get their car onto the back of
a tow truck,” Anderson continues.
“And they shouldn’t be put in the middle of a
stoush between rival operators looking to be first
to the scene.
“We have worked hard to push out rogue
operators in the last decade and to build a safer
and stronger NSW and I won’t allow this type of
behaviour to creep back into the industry.”
In addition to holding tow truck drivers and
operators accountable, NSW Fair Trading is also
warning motorists to be aware in the instances
where their vehicle requires towing:
• Do not be bullied or pressured to sign a towing
authorisation form and always remember that
you as the customer can refuse a tow for any
reason
• Always contact your insurance company before
signing a towing authorisation and therefore
agreeing to have your vehicle towed
• Never be pressured by a tow truck driver to have
your car towed to a particular smash repairer
as they are often affiliated with particular
repairers
• Never accept a hire/rental car from a tow truck
driver without first contacting your insurance
company as you may be liable for the cost.
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12 APRIL 2021 ownerdriver.com.au