City urges rules for tow trucks

We’ll act if Ontario doesn’t: bylaw chief

Several city councillors want increased oversight of the tow-truck industry, to improve road safety and prevent operators from overcharging.

Members of the protective services committee agreed Thursday to prod the Ontario government to fast-track its ongoing investigation of the industry and come up with provincewide regulations.

The main problem stems from tows that don’t require police at the scene. In those incidents, some unscrupulous tow-truck operators charge clients or their insurance companies exorbitant fees, explained Linda Anderson, the city’s bylaw chief. Insurance companies then pass those costs on to the consumer through higher rates.

These tactics have led to a growing outcry by municipalities, insurance agencies and some tow companies to regulate the industry.

“The insurance companies are saying to municipalities and the province now, ‘You have to do something to regulate this’,” Anderson said. “It’s costing the consumer way too much for this service … .”

Protective services committee members considered municipal licensing for tow trucks in spring 2011 after receiving complaints from residents about excessive tow bills, but tow companies can duck such a policy, Anderson said.

City staff will monitor the Ontario government’s progress, said Anderson, “but if it takes too long, we’re just going to have to do something in the interim.”