Local tow company charged after vehicle towed from crash scene in Ottawa without driver’s permission: OPP

OPP cruiser in this undated file image.

A local tow company and two of its drivers are facing charges after they allegedly towed a driver’s vehicle from a crash scene against their wishes.

Ontario Provincial Police say the company and its drivers have been charged under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act.

According to police, the company towed a driver’s vehicle to the Collision Reporting Centre at the Ottawa Detachment against the vehicle owner’s wishes, caused damage to the car and informed the driver the OPP told them to tow the vehicle.

“The tow operator also made claims that the company was under contract with the OPP, which they are not,” OPP Const. Michael Fathi said.

The company is facing over $1,700 in fines, while both tow company drivers are facing over $1,300 in fines.

“A reminder that you have the right to refuse services from a tow company and choose which tow company you wish to use,” Fathi said.

Ontario Provincial Police say motorists have the right to decide who can tow your vehicle and to what location and a “permission to tow” form must be signed before the vehicle is towed. If you are in a collision, call your insurance company for direction on tow companies, repairs and car rentals.

The OPP says a towing company must provide you with an itemized invoice before receiving payment.