TORONTO - After spending a day or more trapped on snow-swept Highway 402, some people say they're suffering sticker shock when they get their vehicle back.

Ontario's Minister of Community Safety says he "very concerned" by reports some people are being "overcharged considerably" by towing companies.

Vehicles stranded on the southwestern Ontario highway east of Sarnia, Ont., are being removed by private towing companies and Jim Bradley says people have complained of charges up to $400 to get their car back.

Bradley says this is taking advantage of people in a vulnerable position as a standard towing charge would be about $55.

Bradley says people who feel they have been gouged can make a complaint to the Ministry of Consumer Services at 1-800-889-9768.

Bradley says most people have reacted positively to the situation, volunteering their time, putting motorists up after they were rescued from their cars, or supplying food.

"A lot of good things have been happening -- volunteers helping out with their snowmobiles and so on," Bradley said Wednesday evening.

"I was very concerned to receive complaints that, in fact, some people have alleged that they have been overcharged considerably for towing," he said.

"Don't take advantage of those in a vulnerable position," Bradley said. "Respond as so many people have in a positive fashion."

"Most people are not expecting they're going to be hit with quadruple and quintuple the regular price."

More than 300 vehicles were stranded on Highway 402 on Monday when snow swept over the highway.

Police, military personnel and local residents spent much of Tuesday rescuing people from the snowed-in vehicles.