LNP Takes a Balanced Look at the Towing Industry

Recently, Lancaster Newspaper (LNP) ran a story with the headline “Towing bill elicits closer look at industry”. The opening paragraphs were “Towing companies know they’re not always seen as the good guys, especially when they’re called by a police officer to remove a wrecked vehicle or impound it when someone is found to be driving illegally. “Everybody thinks we’re a bunch of crooks,” said Gwen Null, president of the Pennsylvania Towing Association.”

This article stemmed from a traffic stop where the operator was driving with a suspended license. He complained to the news media about the bill for towing and storage.  The media reached out to both the towing company and the PTA for a statement.  Tom Lisi, the reporter who investigated and wrote the article, did a very fair job of telling the story from both sides.  It was not the usual slanted against the towing company type of article.  Included for the towing perspective was that police towing comes at a higher cost than what a breakdown tow would cost.  It also included the factors, such as the cost of running a towing business, i.e. cost of equipment, personnel, insurance, etc., that enter into what the cost for the service provided is.  The illustration that Gwen Null gave to the reporter was that a breakdown tow is like going to the family doctor.  It is scheduled for whenever the doctor can see you.  A police impound is like going to urgent care.  And an accident is like going to the emergency room.  All require different levels of care and all come at a different cost.  The report also included a statement that vehicle owners should not simply pay for liability coverage.  They should take advantage of plans that offer coverage for towing.  (LNP, December 14, 2025.)