Two Ottawa-based towing companies and a tow truck driver are facing serious charges under Ontario’s Towing and Stowage Safety and Enforcement Act, with potential fines reaching thousands of dollars.
These allegations stem from consumer complaints about abusive practices related to vehicle recovery and storage.
The complaints began in late November when the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) received a report that one towing company refused to release a vehicle from its impound lot following a collision, demanding over $5,000 for just one week of storage. In early December, a similar complaint was filed against another company, which also allegedly withheld a vehicle while overcharging for services.
While the charges against the companies are not criminal, they can lead to hefty penalties of up to $100,000 for businesses found guilty and, in some cases, even jail time. These regulations aim to protect consumers from fraudulent practices in the tow industry, a sector often associated with reports of misconduct.
Southway Towing, one of the companies charged, faces multiple allegations, including demanding payments without consent, failing to provide invoices before payment requests, and refusing to release vehicles upon request. Pro Solution Towing, the other implicated company, is accused of misleading customers, applying undue pressure for specific payment methods, and demanding payments without proper invoices or consent.
A tow truck driver, whose identity has not been disclosed by police, is also facing charges for providing or attempting to provide services without consent and failing to comply with legal requirements to document consent.
These incidents echo a 2022 scandal involving two former Ottawa police officers. The officers admitted to taking payments from towing operators in exchange for providing inside information about accident locations, giving certain operators an unfair advantage. Although the officers avoided prosecution by resigning, their actions highlighted the risks of corruption in the towing sector.
Authorities are urging the public to report any abusive or illegal towing practices through the Ontario government’s official website. These measures are part of ongoing efforts to rebuild trust in towing services and ensure fair treatment for consumers.
