Thursday August 29, 2024 | VICTORIA, BC
by Mary P Brooke | Island Social Trends
Effective Sunday, September 1, 2024, drivers engaging in reckless driving behaviour such as impaired driving, excessive speeding, street racing or driving without a licence will face significantly higher fees for the towing and storage of their impounded vehicles.
This is the first major impoundment rate adjustment in over a decade. Rates are based on independent analysis.
This follows two summers marked by a surge in highway fatalities, the BC government says today that it’s taking action to make roads safer by placing higher penalties on those who drive dangerously.
“Too many lives have been lost due to reckless and dangerous driving, particularly this summer,” said Mike Farnworth, Minister of Public Safety and Solicitor General. “We’re making it clear that if you endanger others on our roads, you will face serious consequences, both criminally and financially.”
Flat-rate towing increase:
The adjustments include a flat-rate towing fee increase of 38% to $110, and a storage fee increase of up to 96%, up to $40 per day.
“These increased fees send a strong message that dangerous driving will not be tolerated on B.C.’s roads,” it was stated in a news release today.
“By adding harsher financial penalties, the government aims to deter reckless behaviours and encourage drivers to think twice before engaging in dangerous activities that put lives at risk. With these changes, B.C. is reinforcing its commitment to enhancing road safety and reducing the loss of life.”
Vehicle impoundment rates:
Changes to vehicle impoundment rates are:
- Flat towing rate is rising from $79.78 to $110.
- Per-kilometre towing rate is rising from $2.41 to $3.32.
- Storage Zone 1 rate is rising from $23.98 to $40.
- Storage Zone 2 rate is rising from $22.89 to $38.18.
- 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.
- Standby, recovery, cleanup, additional services, loading and securing fee is rising from $75.58 to $110.
Impoundment periods range from three to 60 days.
Load on the enforcement system:
In British Columbia, police impound approximately 30,000 vehicles per year.
Coroner’s stats:
The BC Coroner reports that 331 British Columbians died in motor vehicle incidents in 2023, equating to six deaths per 100,000 population.
According to BC Coroners Service data on motor vehicle incident deaths between 2013-2023, the average annual number of MVI deaths was 301. The average annual rate was six deaths per 100,000 population.
During 2013-2023, 59% of decedents were drivers or passengers in personal vehicles, 18% were pedestrians, and 13% were
motorcyclists. Of the vehicle crash deaths, 73% of the persons are male.
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