ARA Applauds New Impound Lot Operator Rates and Administrative Changes!
The Automotive Retailers Association (ARA) is pleased to announce significant updates to the Impound Lot Operators (ILO) program, as recently announced by Road Safety BC (RSBC). The new rates, alongside a revamped rate-setting methodology and other crucial administrative changes, mark a major milestone for ILOs—a development the ARA has actively pursued on behalf of the industry and its members over the past several years.
The journey to these changes has been extensive, with roots stretching back over a decade. The ARA has consistently advocated for more fair and equitable rates for the program, culminating in the recent announcement from RSBC.
This timeline showcases the key milestones in the ARA’s advocacy efforts:
- 2013: RSBC harmonized ILO rates with ICBC, a move that the ARA opposed, arguing that the variables used to calculate ICBC rates were not applicable to the ILO program. The ARA contended that this effectively gave offenders a discount.
- 2014: The ARA successfully lobbied for a new administrative fee applied to all impounded vehicles, claimed or unclaimed through the program.
- 2016: The ARA championed the implementation of the RTI program, enabling the collection of fees from Registered Owners who never claimed their vehicles.
- 2017: The ARA launched the ILO administrative training program, which has since equipped hundreds of administrative staff with the knowledge required to navigate the program’s processes and legal requirements.
- 2019: The ARA commissioned a study by MNP, demonstrating that the existing rates within the ILO program were insufficient to cover operational costs and unfairly discounted rates for offenders.
- 2020: The provincial government ordered a comprehensive review of the ILO program, a direct result of ARA’s persistent advocacy.
- 2021: While awaiting a new rate methodology, RSBC increased the administrative fee by $35.00, partially addressing the cost concerns raised by the ARA.
- 2023: RSBC commissioned Deloitte to conduct a comprehensive review of ILO rates and methodologies.
- 2024: Thanks to the tireless efforts of the ARA, RSBC introduced sweeping administrative, including the ability to submit statutory declarations online. RSBC announces new rates for the program.
These changes address up to 90% of all the challenges previously faced by the ILO program, reflecting the effectiveness of sustained, strategic advocacy.
The ARA acknowledges that these successes are the result of a collective effort. We would like to thank our division Chairman Mitchell Martin and ARA President Adrian Scovell for their leadership, as well as the industry volunteers and ARA staff who have worked tirelessly to make these changes a reality.
The ARA encourages non-members to consider joining the association to support ongoing advocacy efforts and to benefit from the full range of membership benefits.
To become a member, please visit – https://ara.bc.ca/.
New rates will come into effect September 1st and can be accessed by the link here