Ontario Launches Tow Zone Pilot Project

By: Laura Steiner

The province of Ontario is continuing their efforts to make roads a little safer.   Transportation Minister Caroline Mulroney announced a tow zone pilot on designated sections of provincial highways.

“The ongoing violence in the towing industry is unacceptable, which is why our government is taking action to make the towing industry safer through strengthened oversight standards,” Mulroney.  The province will also implement recommendations brought last year by a taskforce to form a Joint Forces investigate criminal activity within the industry.

The towing zones will divide the province into four zones including one here in Halton:

• Restricted Tow Zone 1: Highway 401 from Highway 400 east to Morningside Avenue
• Restricted Tow Zone 2:
  • Highway 401 from Highway 400 west to Regional Road 25
  • Highway 427 from QEW to Highway 409
  • Highway 409 from Highway 427 to Highway 401
• Restricted Tow Zone 3: Highway 400 from Highway 401 to Highway 9
• Restricted Tow Zone 4: QEW from Highway 427 to Brant Street

Drivers must use an authorized company if their vehicle requires towing.  In an emergency they’re to call 911.  They are to call the OPP outside an emergency.

The moves are supported by the Canadian Automobile Association of South Central Ontario (CAA SCO).”Consumers should have the confidence they will be protected, regardless of where in the province they are and w hat kind of towing services they require,” Assistance Vice-President of government and Community Relations Teresa Di Felice  said.  The CAA has proposed  framework that includes increased training, and education for tow truck drivers. The province will also be exploring those options as well.