Tow Fees May Rise-Sky Arnold

The price you pay if your car is towed may be going up.

Tuesday night Metro Council approved the first of three required votes to raise towing rates.

Under the plan tow fees for illegally parked vehicles would rise from $65 to $85 while the fee for a wrecked vehicles would rise from $85 to $105.

Drivers would also see the price they pay to have a vehicle stored rise to $20.

"Yeah I would think that would be too much. It would be hard on my pocketbook," said Nashville driver Sharon Craig.

In Nashville the tow fee for wrecked and illegally parked vehicles is set by the city.

Randy Bailey says the hike is needed because towing companies like his are struggling with high diesel costs.

"I'm afraid if we don't do something we're gonna lose these companies and therefore it's gonna cost the public to set on the roadways and possibly get somebody else injured during an event."

According to Nashville's Transportation Licensing Commission 18% of all traffic fatalities come from secondary accidents.

That's one reason Director Brian McQuistion says his Commission is recommending the increase.

"It's important that we have quick clearance," said McQuistion.

Metro hasn't raised its tow fees since 2005.


Tow Fees May Rise-Sky Arnold