Hamilton, Ontario — March 25, 2013 — One tow truck operator in Hamilton believes the licensing fees imposed by the city in 2012 aren’t needed to protect motorists from chasers.
Brad Park of Park Towing believes Hamilton’s city councillors to reconsider the licensing fee system currently in use. He believes that there are already enough of these measures in place. The problem is one of enforcement.
Hamilton passed a bylaw in 2012 imposing towing operation fees of $491 per vehicle and $118 per driver. The idea behind the bylaw was to prevent chasers, operators who arrive at collision scenes and solicit for towing or repair services, sometimes charging exorbitant prices for towing and storage. Hamilton Police Services partner with a number of local towers, including Park Towing, to offer tows that cost a maximum of $160.
As Park notes, Hamilton already has a bylaw to prevent chasers. Since 2002, anyone found soliciting for towing or repair services within 200 metres of a collision can be charged under the bylaw. Two charges were laid in 2012.
The city has asked Park to sit on a four-person city subcommittee looking at the bylaw. You can see the text of the new bylaw at this link.
