Virginia Beach Ratchets Up Tow Rates

Virginia Beach's city council voted overwhelmingly to raise their city’s tow rates in a 9-2 vote.  

Most cars will now cost $200 to retrieve, a $55 increase. Storage fees for vehicles in tow yards has also gone up from $25 a day to $60 per day after the first 24 hours. 

The maximum towing fine increases by weight, and it applies to unauthorized vehicles in private and public lots. 

The city hasn’t changed its rates in 10 years as the local towing industry, led by a Towing Advisory Board, pushed for rate increases to offset the rising costs of operations.  The board is comprised of an advocate for towing businesses; a representative from the police department; and a citizen. 

The City Council will be able to review the towing fees in two years before deciding whether to increase them again. 

Before the vote, Councilman Michael Berlucchi said he has concerns about the financial burden of towing fees but also understands the need to remove vehicles that are parked illegally or block access. 

“We have a dual role,” Berlucchi said. “We have to ensure that we have an industry that can come and get those vehicles, but we also at the same time have to ensure we have some protections.” 

Source: pilotonline.com