Victoria, British Columbia — At the beginning of the month, the government of British Columbia began implementing stricter penalties for drivers involved in reckless driving behaviours.
These driving behaviours specifically include impaired driving, excessive speeding, street racing or driving without a license.
Increased penalties further include a 38 percent increase in the flat rate towing fee, raising it to a cost of $110 from $79, and a storage fee increase of up to 96 percent, up to $40 per day.
In an official statement, Deputy Chief Fiona Wilson, president, BC Association of Chief of Police commented on August 29 that “the fee increases are a necessary step in our ongoing commitment to public safety. By imposing stricter financial consequences on dangerous driving, we are sending a very clear message that reckless behaviour on our roads will not be tolerated. Our goal is to protect all road users and reduce the tragic loss of life that too often results from these preventable actions.”
Additionally, Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General further highlighted that “too many lives have been lost due to reckless and dangerous driving, particularly this summer. We’re making it clear that if you endanger others on our roads, you will face serious consequences, both criminally and financially.”
Revisions to vehicle impoundment rates in the province are as listed below:
- Flat towing rate is rising from $79.78 to $110.
- Standby, recovery, cleanup, additional services, loading and securing fees rise from $75.58 to $110.
- Storage Zone 1 rate rises from $23.98 to $40.
- Storage Zone 2 rate rises from $22.89 to $38.18.
- Per-kilometer towing rate is rising from $2.41 to $3.32.
- Storage Zone 3 rate is rising from $20.71 to $38.18.
- Storage Zone 4 rate is rising from $16.35 to $32.
- Dolly fee is rising from $35 to $40.
