Southern Ont. tow truck driver, company charged for unsafe tow job in northern Ont.

Police in Temagami have laid charges after a tow truck was spotted pulling a fire-damaged trailer with only two functioning wheels.

A Brampton, Ont., tow truck company and one of its drivers have been charged after police stopped a truck towing a fire-damaged trailer hoisted up on two wheels.

Temagami Ontario Provincial Police stopped the truck June 11 at 12:40 p.m. near Temagami Access Road just south of Temagami. OPP spokesperson said the trailer caught fire June 9 in Temagami.

In a news release Wednesday, police said the driver had removed eight damaged wheels from the burnt trailer and disabled the brakes.

“Following a Level 2 commercial vehicle safety inspection, the vehicle combination was deemed unsafe and placed out of service,” the OPP said.

“The plate and annual inspection sticker were removed.”

Major defect

The 27-year-old driver from Brampton was charged with failing to document defects, driving with a major defect, failing to wear required apparel, failing to comply with lamp requirements and operating with an insecure load.

A Brampton-based company was also charged with offences under the Highway Traffic Act, including failing to ensure proper inspection; permitting operation with an insecure load; failing to ensure operator compliance with apparel and lighting requirements; and, violating multiple sections of the Tow and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act.

“Safety must never be compromised,” the release said.

“Operators and companies are reminded of their responsibilities under the Highway Traffic Act and Tow and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act.”