THE Commercial Services Committee of the Kingston and St Andrew Corporation (KSAC) has ordered an investigation into allegations of corruption at its downtown car pound, reportedly involving crew members of tow truck contractors.

Councillors complained at Tuesday’s meeting of the committee that the corporation could be losing millions of dollars due to the illegal activity.

The councillors said that under the suspected scam, vehicles towed to the pound were released after owners pay a bribe instead of the set fee to the KSAC.

The decision to investigate came after Councillor Joel Levy (JLP – Chancery Hall Division) told the meeting that there was irregularity with at least a tow truck contractor, whose income did not correspond with the number of illegal parking tickets issued.

Councillor Paul Stewart (PNP – Hagley Park Division) told the meeting that if allegations of corruption were found to be true, then the contract with the towing companies involved should be immediately terminated.

Whenever a vehicle is towed, the KSAC would get a percentage of the fee for the use of its car pound.

If a car is towed to the pound, the owner is charged a fee of $3,500, of which the KSAC is to get $1,500.

Last year the pound earned the KSAC just over $30 million, but was $14 million below the projected revenue. And between January and August of this year the pound has raked in $14 million.