Ohio Turnpike considers whether to pay less to tow trucks and let them charge motorists more

9/20/2011

BEREA, Ohio — The Ohio Turnpike is reviewing whether to pay less to towing companies that have exclusive contracts to serve the toll road while allowing them to raise the rates they charge stranded motorists.

The Plain Dealer reports turnpike commissioners on Monday received a draft report from the turnpike's safety department proposing the changes in the contracts.

The Cleveland newspaper reported earlier this year that the state pays companies $7,500 a month to provide towing services along seven sections of the 241-mile highway. Toll roads in neighboring Pennsylvania and Indiana also have exclusive contracts with towing firms but don't pay them stipends.

Turnpike acting Executive Director Dan Castrigano says the commission will have to consider the possible trade-offs involved in overhauling the contracts.