Ottawa police lay 76 charges against tow truck operators in 2nd quarter of year

Ottawa Police headquarters on Elgin St. is seen in this undated photo. (CTV News Ottawa)

The Ottawa Police Service says officers laid 76 charges against tow truck operators in the city in the second quarter of this year.

This brings the total number of charges to 151 since January.

The second-quarter enforcement ran from April 1 to June 30. Police say Tow Enforcement Officers conducted numerous inspections, investigations, and compliance initiatives across Ottawa, laying charges under the Tow and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act (TSSEA) and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).

Thirty-seven TSSEA charges were laid, including 14 related to vehicle storage yards, and 39 HTA charges were issued.

“TSSEA-related charges included tow yards failing to meet mandatory signage requirements. During inspections, some operators were found to have incomplete signage missing required information, while others had no signage posted at the main entrance, as required,” Ottawa police said in a news release.

“These signage requirements are in place to support transparency and consumer protection. When a vehicle has been towed, clear and accurate signage helps members of the public locate the tow yard, obtain essential contact information, and arrange for the release of their vehicle.”

Police say, in addition to the enforcement activity, officers removed six tow trucks from service because of safety or compliance concerns, attended 32 court appearances, and conducted four vehicle storage yard inspections.

“The goal of our enforcement program is not simply to issue charges, but to ensure the towing industry operates safely, professionally, and in accordance with provincial legislation,” said Const. Jason Killeen. “Improved compliance is a positive outcome for consumers, the industry, and public safety.”

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