Fury at city tow charges CBD traders tell of confusion
tony. THE division councillor for Townsville’s CBD says she will ask staff to “look closely” into car tow- away charges after complaints the fees are excessive and deterring trade.
Flinders St has a large tow- away zone coming into effect at 3am on Sundays to clear the area for the Cotters Markets. People frequenting bars and restaurants on Saturday nights and parking their cars in Flinders St are getting caught regularly and having to pay hundreds of dollars to Townsville City Council’s towage contractor, ABC Towing, to retrieve their cars from storage.
One woman who was caught out, who did not want to be identified, said she didn’t realise it was a tow- away area. She had to pay $ 350 to retrieve her car on the following Monday.
“I think it’s a joke. If they are expecting people to go into the city and support local business and charge what I think is a ridiculous amount of money … I won’t be going back,” the woman said.
She said staff at ABC Towing told her the council set the prices. But Cr Ann- Maree Greaney said there was no financial return to the council.
“The cost is set and payable to the towing company,” Cr Greaney said.
Asked whether the charge was excessive considering the State Govern- ment this month decided to limit private property tow charges to $ 250, Cr Greaney indicated the charges could be reduced.
“The contract for the towing rights runs out in October and I’ll be asking staff to look closely at the charges in the tendering process,” she said.
Cr Greaney said the street closure was required for what was the most popular event in the city and that there were 27 signs on the street advising of the 3am tow away rules.
But some Flinders St traders say the arrangements are confusing with some parks being loading zones, free or paid parking or tow- away zones depending on the time and day.
Trader Ben Short said customers were hit with $ 73 fines “almost daily” when a park outside his store changed from a loading zone to paid parking at 9am on weekdays.
Gecko’s Interiors trader Lucy Downes said she received constant negative feedback from customers about $ 73 fines for overstaying the two- hour paid parking limits.
City Lane operator Jamie Fitzpatrick said a “massive” car park was needed to service hotels, bars, restaurants and the new CBD stadium but that even with the existing multistorey car park in Ogden St people tended not to use it.