CAA supports Ontario government's focus to reform the towing industry

CAA North & East Ontario (CAA NEO) supports the Ontario government’s move to assemble a task force to review and reform the towing industry. Changes to the towing industry is something that CAA has been advocating for over a decade and the task force announced today is a strong step in the right direction.

“There are a number of measures that the provincial government can take to restore motorist confidence in the towing industry, and to keep our roads safe across the province,” says Jeff Walker, President and CEO, CAA NEO. “We would like to see a tow truck licensing system, clearer rules around consumer protection, and the establishment of a body to oversee the industry.”

To that end, CAA has been actively working with stakeholders and government officials towards greater provincial oversight of the industry. This would entail consistent levels of training for operators and ensure the vitality of an essential service on Ontario roads, while establishing penalties for those that do not follow the rules. It would also ensure consumers would have certainty when it comes to their towing services, regardless of when or where they require support.

CAA is also advocating for regulations that would implement criminal background checks, discourage racing to accident scenes, charging consumers sky-high towing bills, and prevent fraud.

“For years the towing industry has been in need of more rigorous regulation and oversight. People are in a very vulnerable situation when they break down on a highway or when they are involved in a car crash, and it is not acceptable for tow operators to take advantage of that vulnerability. Regulating the industry would enhance consumer protection for motorists,” adds Walker.