Cincy seeks to reign in unfair towing fees

CINCINNATI (AP) — Cincinnati officials are moving forward with a plan to crack down on excessive fees charged by towing companies.

The proposed city law would levy a harsh fine, yet to be determined, propose jail time for repeat offenders and have offenders removed from a list of city-approved towing companies.

The Cincinnati Enquirer reports today that the impetus for the law came from a recent law school graduate upset that a company wanted to charge him $500 to retrieve his car.

Councilmember P.G. Sittenfeld says there are plenty of honest towing companies but he also believes that many people have been taken advantage of.

Ohio law currently only allows a fine of $150 for companies accused of overcharging drivers.