Burlington charging drivers for accidents - Everybody pays, regardless of fault

Beware getting into an accident in Burlington. It's going to cost you even if you're not at fault

Effective April 12, the fire department started billing residents involved in a motor vehicle accident within city limits.

Under the city’s fee structure - approved in the 2010 budget - a $350 flat rate will be divided among the drivers involved in an accident — regardless of who is at fault — in which  the fire department responds.

And that's just the start.

The cost of materials used during accident response will also be divided among the drivers involved in the accident.

The most commonly used  include absorbent material for containing fluid spills, at a cost of $200 per pail; foam used for smothering fuel or oil-based fires, priced at $150-$175 per pail; and containment booms that absorb oil, which cost $50-$250 per boom. The cost for a whole pail will be charged, whether or not the entire container is used.