A win - win for drivers and the towing industry

THORNHILL, ON, Dec. 9, 2014 /CNW/ -  Despite the ongoing protest today in downtown Toronto by select members of the towing industry, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) believes Bill 15 will help protect both drivers and the towing industry.

The bill, passed by the Ontario legislature on November 20, 2014, will ensure consumer protection for motorists when they are most vulnerable - during a breakdown or a collision - while at the same time protecting the future of the tow industry by safeguarding more consistent business operations across the province.

The legislation will also provide high safety standards that are both necessary and essential for tow truck operators working on the side of busy highways and motorists travelling those same roads.

"Bill 15 establishes a framework to help provide additional consumer protection measures for motorists, and elevate safety and standards for the towing industry," said Elliott Silverstein, Manager of Government Relations, CAA SCO. "CAA will continue to advocate on behalf of motorists and the towing industry, as the government develops the required regulations to enact Bill 15."

"In addition, CAA has long advocated at Queen's Park for additional safety measures for tow truck operators who provide service on Ontario's roads. We are pleased that Bill 31 (Making Ontario's Roads Safer Act) includes Slow Down, Move Over provisions that would extend to tow trucks."

As a leader in the towing industry, CAA SCO participated in the consultation process along with other key industry stakeholders that preceded Bill 15, and last month delivered a presentation to the Legislature's Standing Committee.

And over the past year, CAA SCO has been working tirelessly with both industry associations and our network of contract tow operators to address issues related to the bill. The well-established auto club with over 100 years of expertise and experience also demonstrates its own high standards through safety training, consumer protection and technological development.

The newly adopted bill, when fully enacted, will help provide more clarity, options and security for consumers, such as authorization of the tow, non-cash methods of payment and well-trained drivers.

CAA SCO looks forward to working with the government in the coming months to protect consumers and help transition the industry to a provincial regulatory standard.

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of more than 1.9 million members. For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].