Tow truck 'chasing' bylaw halted for now
Politicians voted to have staff include input from industry and police
Politicians have pumped the brakes on a proposed business licensing bylaw that would force tow truck operators to refrain from attending collision scenes unless customers call them. The practice is called chasing.
The proposed bylaw was introduced as a way to "protect accident victims from aggressive business solicitation," according to a staff report.
At Tuesday's Community and Protective Services Committee, many tow truck operators made their plea, making it hard for city politicians to move forward with the bylaw.
Fadi Ibrahim, the owner of Low Price Towing, said the bylaw would be unfair.
"I don't deserve to get kicked out of an accident scene. There's no problem, in my opinion, that if I see an accident, I stop [and ask if they need the service]," he explained.
"I believe the best thing we could do is have a rotation and you call whoever is next on the list," he said.
Ibrahim said he and his six drivers will be out of work if the new bylaw is approved.
On the other hand, David Ross of Ross' Towing Services, was in favour of the bylaw.
He told politicians that towing operators are speeding to get to accidents and even showed a video of such an occurrence.
"The motoring public at the scene of an accident are in a vulnerable state–hurt and distraught–and in need of assistance. They are being preyed on by accident chasers who are out to make a lot of money," he said.
Speaking on behalf of several operators, former city councillor Roger Caranci argued that the real issue behind chasing is that there's a contract between police and Ross' Towing Services.
"That's inherently wrong," said Caranci, who felt "compelled' to represent operators during the public participation meeting.
Currently, when there's an accident London Police call Ross' Towing Services if a driver requests police's assistance in arranging a tow or if the driver is taken to hospital.
In the end, politicians agreed to send the bylaw back to staff. If approved by council, staff will look for input from police and the tow truck industry.