Police stop tow truck driver after seeing ‘numerous’ violations

While towing a vehicle, an operator from Queensway Towing was pulled over by Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) after an officer noticed multiple violations.

The incident happened on Jan. 8 and officials from the Ottawa detachment laid multiple charges after a traffic stop was conducted. The company, Queensway Towing, is facing offences under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

Charges include:

• Tow operator – Fail to comply with prescribed requirements and standards
• Tow operator – Fail to ensure workers comply with act and regulations
• Tow operator – Fail to ensure truck meets prescribed requirements
• Cause or permit operation of tow truck without required flares, lamps or lanterns
• Cause or permit operation of tow truck – Towed motor vehicle not secured as required
• Tow operator – Fail to Include Required Information on website or social media
• Permit operation of vehicle – Fail to display inspection sticker or proof
• Operate commercial motor vehicle – No valid CVOR certificate

The driver who was towing the vehicle at the time was charged under the HTA with: drive tow truck without required flares, maps or lanterns.

This comes after provincial police laid charges against two towing companies and a driver after catching them overcharging customers or holding vehicles hostage.

Southway Towing, a driver from the Ottawa-based company, and Pro Solution Towing are facing several charges related to issues with payment, consent and failing to provide information.

Ottawa police conducted an enforcement blitz at the beginning of December and laid over a dozen charges to five truck drivers and 10 companies.

“The focus of this operation was to uphold public safety and consumer protection by ensuring tow truck operators and drivers complied with legal requirements,” the press release reads.