THORNHILL,/CNW/ - A recent study conducted on behalf of CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) indicates that 90 per cent of Ontario drivers agree with regulations such as tow truck licensing, certification and provincial oversight.

The study, commissioned in April 2020, revealed that only 1 out of 5 Ontario drivers feel "very protected" under the current system.

"Consumers should have the confidence that they will be protected regardless of where in the province they are and what kind of towing services they may require," says Teresa Di Felice, assistant vice-president of government and community relations.

The study also showed that half of Ontario drivers believe that tow trucks in Ontario are licensed. This is not the case.

A lack of provincial oversight in the towing industry has led to a municipal patchwork of bylaws, which includes inconsistent towing rates, processes, and standards. It has also left motorists unsure on what the rules are, and how to protect themselves from fraudulent activities particularly when it comes to collision tow services. 

At present, only 18 of Ontario's 444 municipalities have bylaws regulating towing.  That is less than five percent of all communities across the province. 

"Provincial oversight should provide consistent levels of training for operators, ensure the vitality of an important service on Ontario roads, establish penalties for those that do not follow the rules and recognize people drive outside of cities boundaries."