The City of Chicopee announces updated towing contracts have been awarded to Interstate, Chuck’s, and Geno’s towing who have signed an agreement, expiring on June 30, 2019, that specifically outlines rules and regulations each provider must follow. This is the first update to the towing contracts in 8 years.

Under the new contract providers are prohibited from charging anything more than the maximum rate for towing and storage established by the Department of Public Utilities. That includes a maximum rate for police-ordered or involuntary towing (from private property) at $90.00. The storage rate for non-commercial motor vehicles is currently $35.00 per 24-hour period for storage. Additional charges may be assessed if additional labor is needed. Any cars towed must be stored in Chicopee.

In addition, towing contractors are required to provide monthly reports in connection with the statistics and all Police vehicles that should need service are towed at no cost to the City.

"It is important for us to get updated contracts," said Mayor Richard Kos. “We had been operating under an expired agreement that left many questions unanswered. Now we can offer protections for those who may be towed, with specific guidelines as to what kinds of expenses they will face.”

Should the City receive any complaints, consumers are directed to file a written complaint with the state via the DPU (http://www.mass.gov/eea/energy-utilities-clean-tech/consumer-assistance/consumer-complaint/). The City will notify the provider of the complaint from which the provider will then have 48 hours to submit a written response.

“I am pleased to have these contracts in place,” said Police Chief William Jebb. “It removes many grey areas that could occur while also providing a benefit to the City.”