Recently, my vehicle was unexpectedly towed, and I faced an astonishing fee of $700 for a mere seven-hour storage period. I started to ponder on my community and how this must affect the residents as this is an everyday occurrence within the city. How can towing a car and storing it for 7 hours within a ten mile radius, cost someone’s week’s paycheck? Mistakes happen and missing a towing sign happens, this doesn’t entitle companies to price gouge for vehicle release.

Not only do Tow-truck companies act on these predatory tows but if a civilian doesn’t have the means to pay pick-up fees for their cars they are auctioned off! Many hard-working residents of San Bernardino are impacted by these practices. 

The towing companies exploit their position, subjecting individuals to fees that are not only unfair but impossible for many to afford. According to AAA, the average cost of a standard tow in the U.S. ranges between $75 to $125, far less than what many are forced to pay in San Bernardino. It’s curious how police stations keep a rotation list on approved tow companies… and as public entity funded by tax payers responsible for protecting the public they authorize these companies that thrive on price gouging. 

I urge the San Bernardino City Council to implement a cap on daily towing and storage fees, rid of over-night pick up fees as they are legally required to allow pick up 24/7 under CA law, and further cap hourly rates to protect our hard-working community members from these exploitative costs. Establishing a limit not only introduces fairness but also ensures businesses are accountable for their fees, preventing them from charging amounts that do not reflect the actual service provided.

Implementing these changes will provide much-needed relief to our community and prevent others from facing the same financial burdens I encountered. This initiative will help create a more equitable system for all residents of San Bernardino.

Please join me in calling on the San Bernardino City Council to introduce a cap on these excessive fees. Sign this petition to protect the San Bernardino community from these unjust financial burdens and help ensure a fairer approach to vehicle towing and storage costs. Because success on this petition in one county can expand to the next.