In Marrakech, numerous citizens have voiced their complaints regarding what they perceive as a significant increase in the costs associated with towing vehicles that violate regulations to the municipal impound lot. This situation has prompted calls for the relevant authorities to launch an investigation into how these fees are determined and whether they comply with existing legal and regulatory requirements.
Affected individuals have reported that retrieving their vehicles after they have been impounded now requires them to pay exorbitant amounts compared to the original violation fines. They indicated that they are required to pay approximately 300 dirhams to private towing companies, in addition to fees for the time spent in the municipal impound lot and a flat settlement fine of 150 dirhams, which is allocated to the national police services.
One of the impacted citizens, Abdul Rahim Fattah Allah, emphasized that the issue is not solely about the high fees but also involves a lack of clarity in the payment process. He noted that retrieving a vehicle is contingent upon presenting a receipt for the towing services, while the municipal fees associated with the impound lot, as discussed among users, do not exceed 20 dirhams. This discrepancy raises concerns about the fairness and transparency of the entire process.
Moreover, many citizens are questioning the legal basis for the pricing of towing services, particularly given that similar charges are applied regardless of the distance involved. Fattah Allah has called for clarification regarding the contracts and agreements established between the municipality and the companies responsible for providing these towing services.
In a related point, one user praised the professional conduct of the national police during the issuance of violation tickets and the handling of documents for vehicle release from the impound lot. However, they criticized the poor communication within the facility, alongside what they deemed inappropriate behavior from certain staff members, which they claim has led to tensions between users and impound lot employees.
Additionally, the same speaker raised the issue of access conditions to the vehicle towing sector, questioning the criteria used to grant these services. They underscored that a clear legal and regulatory framework could foster competition and equal opportunities among investors.
As reported by marrakechpost.com.
