Findings, declarations relative to towing, towing operators

2. The Legislature finds and declares that: a. While the majority of towing companies in New Jersey are reputable service providers, some unscrupulous towing companies are engaged in predatory practices victimizing persons whose vehicles are parked on public streets and private property; b. Predatory towing practices include charging unwarranted or excessive fees, particularly in connection with towing vehicles from private parking lots which do not display any warnings to the vehicle owners or operators, or overcharging persons for towing services provided under circumstances where the person has no meaningful opportunity to withhold consent; c. The legitimate business interests of towing companies and the needs of private property owners for relief from unauthorized parking must be balanced with the interest in providing appropriate protection to persons who own or operate vehicles; d. Whatever authority exists in the law to regulate towing and towing companies is fragmented among various State agencies and local governments so that inconsistent or inadequate regulation often results, with insufficient recourse provided under the law; and e. Therefore, it is in the public interest to create a coordinated, comprehensive framework to establish and enforce minimum standards for towing companies.