Peel Regional Police have laid dozens of charges after a weekend enforcement blitz targeting tow trucks in Mississauga and Brampton, including one driver caught speeding at more than double the posted limit.
The Road Safety Unit says the high-risk behaviour was uncovered during ongoing efforts to tighten oversight of the towing industry. Officers reported that one tow truck was caught travelling 123 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Saturday while racing toward the scene of a collision on rain-soaked roads. Police say the stunt posed an extreme risk not only to other drivers but also to first responders already working at accident scenes.
More than 30 charges were issued during the blitz, with police warning that reckless or non-compliant operators will continue to face strict enforcement. Daily roadside inspections of tow trucks are already underway in both Mississauga and Brampton as part of the broader initiative.
Drivers involved in collisions are reminded to stay inside their vehicles, call their insurance provider for recommended tow services, and only allow a tow if they grant consent. Under provincial rules, tow companies must have the driver sign a “permission to tow” form before any work begins, and they must disclose towing and storage rates upfront—posting them at their business location, online, and at storage facilities.
Motorists travelling on Highway 401 can request a tow through Ontario’s Tow Zone pilot program by calling 511, or dial *OPP for service elsewhere in the province.
Ontario created a towing industry task force in 2020 to address safety concerns, regulate standards, and crack down on criminal activity linked to the sector. The latest enforcement blitz is part of that ongoing effort to restore public confidence and keep roads safe for everyone.