Regional Police cracking down on predatory tow truck operators
Posted Aug 16, 2017 08:05:31 AM.
This article is more than 5 years old.
41 charges have been laid so far against tow truck drivers and towing companies for violating a by-law that came into effect in February.
The by-law is meant to crack down on predatory tow truck drivers who offer unsolicited services after a collision.
The by-law states a tow truck cannot be within 200 metres of a collision scene without being requested by either police, or someone that’s involved in the collision.
The fine is up to $390 for the driver or the company.
Staff Sargent Mike Hinsperger with the Waterloo Regional Police traffic division says the by-law is to help protect people when they are in a vulnerable position.
“They are involved in a collision and quite frankly are at a very vulnerable state at the time, but a lot of these people were being harassed by tow truck operators pestering consumers for their business.” said Hinsperger.
Hinsperger says he has seen numerous cases where tow truck drivers also over charge for their service and customers end up paying hundreds and even thousands of dollars more than anticipated,
” we’ve had issue with what consumers are being told as far as rates go, and how much it costs them ends up being a totally different situation when they actually get their bill , and now they can’t get their vehicle back until the bill has been paid.”
According to Hinsperger most local companies have complied with the new regulations and only a few operators routinely disregard the by-law.
If you are in a collision Regional Police will contact an accredited tow company for you, or you have the option to contact one yourself.
If you are approached by an unsolicited towing service after a collision Hinsperger recommends telling police.
