🚛

Challenge a tow & impound fee

Towage and storage fees after a council tow

Prefer to hand it off?

An autonomous agent can draft the letter, send it (with your approval), and chase the council until it's resolved.

Let's challenge this tow. Where were you parked, what did the signage say, and what have they charged you? Upload the impound paperwork and any photos of the spot or damage.

Attach a photo of your notice, signage, or receipts (click the clip or drag and drop). General information, not legal advice. Enter to send, Shift+Enter for a new line.

Your rights

Land Transport Act 1998 & the issuing council's traffic bylaw
Councils can move and impound vehicles parked unlawfully (e.g. on a clearway), but the times and signage must be clear and correct, and fees must be reasonable and properly charged.
Consumer Guarantees Act 1993 (towage as a service)
If the vehicle was damaged during towing or storage, the service wasn't carried out with reasonable care and skill and you can claim for the damage.

Who to contact

The council that ordered the tow (and its towage contractor).

Timing

Act immediately, storage fees usually accrue daily. Recover the vehicle first if you can, then dispute the charges in writing.

Refund is an independent service. It is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to any council, transport authority or government agency. It provides general information and document drafting to help you exercise your rights, this is not legal advice. For complex or high-value matters, talk to a lawyer or your free local community law centre.