The inner-Brisbane suburbs of Fortitude Valley, Albion and Newstead are the places you are most likely to be towed by cowboy companies, complaints to a new Queensland Government hotline reveal.

The 1800 681 636 hotline was set up only last Monday but has already received 277 tales of alleged deception.

Fortitude Valley, Albion and Newstead made up 36 per cent of the complaints, followed by 15 per cent spread across Ascot, Hamilton and Eagle Farm.

The data, given to the ABC by the Government, is yet to be verified but will be passed onto a judge who will spearhead the Government's recently announced crackdown on the industry.

In the barrage of gripes that have flowed in, there are numerous cases of cars being hoicked up on a tow truck just minutes after parking.

Map The suburbs with the most complaints about questionable towing practices.

Others said warning signs were worn or not adequate, making them hard to see, especially at night.

One complainant's car was being towed about five minutes after being parked, and the owner jumped in to save it only to be wrestled out by four men.

Motorists said they were paying up to $660 to get their cars back, and when drivers complained they received curt responses.

They were met with phrases like "we made it [the price] up over a beer", or "if you want to sue me, you can send the paperwork to my company, because suing me will do nothing".

Other motorists said they were taunted or intimidated by operators who refused to give their names, one even adding that police "couldn't touch them".

Judge to head up inquiry announced today

The Queensland Government is due to announce today which judge will head up its investigation, and release the terms-of-reference.

The investigation is expected to look into questionable practices by rogue tow truck drivers, including exorbitant fees and other questionable practices, such as tricking drivers into parking in private spaces and using spotters.

Road Safety Minister Mark Bailey said he wanted a three-month review by a judge who had "a formidable career behind them".

Mr Bailey said he expected a quick review, with major changes resulting. ( ABC News: Patrick Williams )

"They are sharks, they're predators," he said.

"I've been reading through the log of people calling into our hotline; it is absolutely revolting their lack of ethics, their lack of regard, lack of respect for people.

"We're going to get them."

'No need to wait' to impose cap

Gold Coast tow truck operator Rick Attard said licensed operators are finding it hard to compete against rogue operators.

"No licences, no insurances, no nothing," he said.

"They are allowed to do what they want to do, when they want to do it, because they have got no name on their truck they are a law unto themselves."

The State Opposition said an investigation was not needed; rather the Government could just impose a cap on fees at next week's parliamentary sitting.

"I'd have to say we've got another inquiry, another review," Opposition Leader Tim Nicholls said.