Move to address concerns about tow truck industry

9/9/93

Police Minister Bob Wiese has initiated the first of several moves to address concerns over the metropolitan tow truck industry following a coroner's inquiry three years ago.

The Police Department will introduce a contract system for its towing requirements.

This will include accidents where a driver has been removed from the accident site through injury or other incapacity.

Mr Wiese said the contract system had the potential to eliminate disputes between operators at accident sites and ensure proper procedures were followed in the allocation of towing jobs.

Another benefit would be to some extent eliminate the practice of some tow truck drivers racing to crash scenes.

The move would also help reduce the Police Department's towage expenses.

Mr Wiese said the introduction of a contract system would be the first in a number of measures to improve the performance of the tow truck industry.

"The contract system is an important first step in resolving some of the issues following the coroner's report on the deaths of two tow truck drivers," Mr Wiese said.

"I would envisage the contract system to involve a number of towing contractors, possibly with designated zones.

"This would eliminate the unseemly behaviour between tow truck drivers often seen at crash scenes.

"A contract system would also help address the problem of tow truck drivers racing to crash scenes.

"I am sure the public and the many responsible tow truck operators will support these measures."

Mr Wiese said the tow truck contractor or contractors would be selected by the State Tender Board.

The Board would also monitor the performance of the new system and act as mediator in any disputes with the Police Department.

It was expected tenders would be called in about three weeks.

Mr Wiese said he was also committed to tackling other issues raised following the coroner's report.

He said this would be done by introducing new regulations covering areas such as training and licensing.

"Draft regulations will soon be available for public comment and will be introduced early next year," Mr Wiese said.

The Minister said he had met with a number of tow truck operators who had indicated a willingness to improve the public image of their industry.

The draft regulations were the culmination of extensive consultation involving the Tow Truck Advisory Council, which was set up after the coroner handed down his report.

The council would continue to have an advisory role after the introduction of the regulations.

Media contact: Tony Robertson 222 9595 or 322 2311