Western Australia's towing industry has undergone a significant transformation with the introduction of the Towing Services Act 2024. This landmark legislation, which passed through State Parliament on October 22, 2024, aims to create a safer, fairer, and more efficient crash towing industry for all Western Australians.

Key Changes and Implementation

The Act introduces several crucial reforms, with implementation occurring in stages:

  1. Ban on Spotter Fees: Effective immediately upon the Act's passing in October 2024, advertising, paying, or receiving spotter fees is now prohibited statewide. Violators face penalties of up to $45,000.
  2. Price Regulation: As of January 10, 2025, maximum charges for towing and storing light vehicles involved in crashes in the Perth and Peel regions have been established. For areas outside these regions, charges must be "reasonable."
  3. Safety Standards: New safety standards for towing workers and service providers across the state are now in effect.
  4. Occupational Authorizations: To be implemented in 2025/2026 and 2026/2027, these will require towing workers and service providers to obtain proper authorizations.
  5. Enhanced Enforcement: The Department of Transport now has increased powers to enforce these new regulations.
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Impact on Consumers and the Industry

For consumers, these changes mean greater protection from exploitative practices and excessive charges following a vehicle crash. The maximum towing charge for a light vehicle in the Perth metropolitan area (including Peel) is now capped at $485, with additional fees for distance and after-hours service.

Towing businesses must adapt to these new regulations, including adhering to capped fees, meeting new safety standards, and preparing for future occupational authorization requirements.

Industry Education and Compliance

The Department of Transport is hosting information sessions to educate industry professionals about the new regulations. These sessions cover topics such as the new pricing structure, safety standards, and upcoming occupational authorization requirements.

Stakeholders can register for updates and participate in these sessions through the Department of Transport's website. The Department has also established a dedicated hotline for industry inquiries related to the new regulations.

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For more detailed information on the reforms, visit the Department of Transport's Towing Industry Reforms page.

To learn more about the specific regulations, you can access the Towing Services Regulations 2025 on the Western Australian Legislation website.

These reforms represent a significant step towards improving the reputation and operations of Western Australia's towing industry, ensuring better protection for consumers and promoting fair practices among towing operators.

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