Ottawa towing company, driver facing charges after traffic stop: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police say officers conducted a traffic stop with this tow truck on Jan. 8 in Ottawa. The driver and the company are facing charges under the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act. (OPP/X)

A towing company and one of its drivers are facing charges following a traffic stop in Ottawa earlier this month, according to police.

Ontario Provincial Police say on Jan. 8, officers with the Ottawa OPP Detachment conducted a traffic stop with a tow truck which was towing a vehicle at the time.

“The tow truck appeared to have numerous violations,” the OPP said.

On Monday, the OPP said Queensway Towing had their truck impounded for seven days and the company is facing several charges under the Highway Traffic Act and the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act.

The charges include tow operator – fail to comply with prescribed requirements and standards, tow operator – fail to ensure workers comply with the Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act and tow operator – fail to ensure truck meets prescribed requirements.

The driver is also facing a charge under the Highway Traffic Act for driving a tow truck without required flares, maps or lanterns.

Ontario’s Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act governs tow operators, drivers and vehicle storage operators across the province.

In December, the OPP laid several charges against two Ottawa towing companies following investigations into complaints by vehicle owners.