FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Bob Gorman, President, Empire State Towing and Recovery Association (ESTRA)

845-452-4925

bob@gormansgarage.com

February 20, 2025

Urgent Member Notification: Call to Action Against NYS Police Tow Policy Changes

Albany, NY– The Empire State Towing and Recovery Association (ESTRA) is issuing an urgent notification to all members regarding the recent attempts by the New York State Police to implement new towing policies across the state. These proposed policies, as evaluated by ESTRA Attorney Alex Kelly and the ESTRA Board, have been deemed capricious and arbitrary, raising serious concerns among our members.

Currently, the policies for Troops L, K, C, and G exhibit inconsistent language and a troubling rate structure that differs from our established professional standards. We believe that if left unchallenged, these policies will have far-reaching negative implications for all towing operators throughout New York State.

In light of this situation, ESTRA strongly advises all towers conducting business with the New York State Police not to sign the new policy. It is imperative that we stand united during this critical time. We urge our members to reach out to non-members and encourage them to join our efforts, fostering solidarity within our industry.

Attorney Alex Kelly is actively engaged with both the NYS Police legal team and the Attorney General’s Office, leveraging past litigation experiences on behalf of Long Island towers. At yesterday's emergency board meeting, Mr. Kelly was directed to communicate our collective frustrations and reinforce our commitment to addressing this pressing issue.

We recognize that these policy changes not only impact our businesses but also affect our families and employees. Therefore, it is essential that ESTRA be consulted to address concerns related to language, insurance, and rate structures in the proposed policies.

Together, we must stand firm and united in our efforts to protect our industry and ensure fair practices. We appreciate your immediate attention to this matter and encourage you to stay informed and engaged as we navigate this challenge.

For further information or to express your concerns, please contact Bob Gorman, ESTRA President. 

### END ###