Over 150 charges laid in tow truck blitz by Ottawa police
Posted Feb 20, 2025 01:52:30 PM.
Last Updated Feb 20, 2025 02:12:47 PM.
Since the beginning of the year Ottawa police have laid more than 100 charges against tow truck drivers and companies for not obeying rules.
According to officials, they have been busy checking tow truck operators, drivers and vehicle storage centres for compliance under the Towing and Storage Safety Enforcement Act (TSSEA), Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act and Highway Traffic Act.
Since Jan. 1, officers have laid 168 charges against multiple companies and drivers.
“The main goal of this operation was to keep the public safe and protect consumers by making sure tow truck operators and drivers followed the rules,” the press release reads.
Issues include not showing information clearly, obtaining consent for services and respecting inspection rules. There were 29 of 62 companies charged, a 47 per cent violation rate, police said.
Some charges laid include:
- Provide services without consent to tow
- Fail to document consent to tow
- Fail to comply with tow certificate
- Fail to display name and certificate number on tow truck
- Fail to display sign at yard
- Insecure load
- Fail to comply with TSSEA
- Defective brakes
- Inaccurate Driver Vehicle Inspection Report
More than half of the companies violating the TSSEA are for things they have posted on social media and websites.
“The towing enforcement team’s efforts demonstrate our commitment to safeguarding residents from unlawful towing activities,” Dave Merkel, Acting Inspector, said. “We will continue enforcing regulations that address public safety and accountability in the tow industry.”
