Most drivers want towing industry steered by province: Study
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A new study conducted for CAA South Central Ontario says 90% of drivers want provincial oversight of the towing industry, to enhance protection.
The study, commissioned in April 2020, found that only one out of five drivers feel “very protected” under the current system.
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“Consumers should have the confidence that they will be protected regardless of where in the province they are and what kind of towing services they may require,” says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice-president of government and community relations.
The study also revealed that 50% of Ontario drivers believe that tow trucks in Ontario are licensed, which is not the case.
A lack of provincial oversight in the industry has led to inconsistent towing rates, processes, and standards.
The survey found drivers don’t know the rules or how to protect themselves, especially from fraudulent activities when it comes to collision tow services.
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Only 18 of Ontario’s 444 municipalities have bylaws regulating towing.
“Provincial oversight should provide consistent levels of training for operators, ensure the vitality of an important service on Ontario roads, establish penalties for those that do not follow the rules and recognize people drive outside of cities boundaries,” the survey said.
Ninety-one per cent of those who took part in the survey said they don’t want anyone driving a tow truck without specific tow truck driver education or training.
Four out of five said the cost of towing and related fees can be misleading.
In June, the province announced the creation of a task force to review and reform the towing industry.
The survey was completed by Campaign Research between April 21-24, 2020, with 5,003 Ontarians who hold a valid driver’s license.
The study was conducted through online surveys and has a margin of error of plus or minus 1.4%, 19 times out of 20.
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