May 5, 4:15 AM EDT
Vehicle storage fees could triple for some troubled motorists
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (AP) -- A Mesa-based towing firm wants to triple its vehicle storage fees for Scottsdale motorists arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence or without a valid license and registration.
Cactus Towing, under investigation for more than a year by the Maricopa County Sheriff's Office over fraud allegations, contends the price increase is the same as approved recently in other cities. Cactus also operates in Chandler and Mesa.
The Scottsdale Police Department oversees the towing contract and has not signed off on the fee change, which if approved would jump to $15 from $4.50 for each day a vehicle is stored.
Todd DeMasseo, Cactus' general manager, said Mesa and Chandler have already approved the higher fees.
The price increase is tied to a new state law requiring that the vehicles driven by motorists charged with certain crimes - like DUI and driving on a suspended license - be impounded for 30 days. The law, which took effect in November, allows tow companies to charge up to $15 a day.