Some tow companies in Eastern Ontario are pointing to fallout from a recent snowstorm as proof a new permitting system for tow operators is flawed and creates additional safety hazards.
Under the Public Transportation and Highway Improvement Act (PTHIA), the MTO has the authority issue permits to control and regulate encroachments on provincial highways. The permits take more than 72 hours to complete, the MTO acknowledges.
While it acknowledges emergency towing must be done promptly in an event where a vehicle is blocking or interfering with traffic and the OPP is on the scene, planned towing recovery is another matter, and subject to the new permitting rules.
“These situations allow for a more measured response, with towing operators taking the time to assess the scene, determine the best course of action, and safely remove the vehicle without the pressure of an active emergency,” Ashely McGraa, transport technician, transportation infrastructure management with the MTO wrote in a memo to industry stakeholders dated Feb. 13.
In these cases, towing must be conducted only after MTO has issued permits related to such activities within the highway right-of-way.
New permitting process
“Once the required permits are secured, the permit holder must submit the completed ROW forms to COMPASS (form will be attached to the permit). It is important to establish and maintain open communication with the designated Area Maintenance Coordinator and COMPASS,” the memo reads.
“The MTO contact must be kept apprised of project status before recovery work commences, while it is underway, and after completion. Regular updates should be provided detailing progress, any unexpected issues encountered, changes to the planned schedule, and final project closeout. Continuous communication and coordination with the area maintenance coordinator throughout the entire recovery process is an essential requirement to meet MTO standards, avoid costly delays or rework, ensure public safety, and achieve successful project delivery.”
While that may seem reasonable and practical, recent experience would prove otherwise, contends the Professional Towing Association of Ontario (PTAO). Just two days after the memo was sent, on Feb. 15, the Cornwall, Ont., area was hit by a significant snowstorm causing multiple vehicles to enter the ditch between Exits 750 and 825. Four tractor-trailers were involved and left in a non-emergent state, subject to the new permitting rules.
For the first time, the new permitting system was put into play. And, PTAO argues, it was a mess.
One trucking company involved initiated a bidding process with local tow operators in an attempt to secure the lowest price, explains PTAO’s Gary Vandenheuvel.
“Unfortunately, none of the local companies were successful in their bids, but one out-of-area towing company secured all four recoveries. From what I understand, the nearest location for this towing company is between 250 and 300 km from the site of the incidents,” he said.
“Furthermore, three of these trucks were not recovered until Feb. 21 — six days after the storm. One trucking firm even had to hire a private security firm to guard its cargo. As of Feb. 28, the fourth truck was still stuck in the ditch, 12 days after the incident, and its cargo had been breached.”
Out-of-town tow providers
The PTAO says the new permitting process means out-of-town tow providers lacking knowledge of the local geography and recovery expertise can be selected to retrieve these vehicles, leading to longer recovery times.
“When more tow trucks or secondary equipment is needed — such as vacuum trucks, garbage bins, or skid steers — out-of-town companies often do not have access to these resources and create further delays in the recoveries,” points out Vandenheuvel.
“We have noticed an increase in out-of-town firms doing recovery work across Ontario, sidelining established local towing companies that have the necessary equipment and expertise. If this trend continues, these companies may lose their equipment and workforce, leading to longer response times for emergency calls and road closures.”
Typically, local tow providers can complete a recovery within 24 hours of the incident, PTAO claims, but with the new system recoveries are taking six to nine days, creating additional safety risks, particularly when private security firms are hired to protect the cargo at roadside, putting security personnel at risk.
“Since the new permit system was implemented, we’ve seen a rise in safety concerns, and it’s the local towing companies, the motoring public, and the trucking industry that are paying the price and the out of area towing companies that created the permit system are benefiting from this new system,” says Vandenheuvel.
The organization has brought its concerns to the MTO in hopes of having the new permitting system revisited, or at the very least, not extended to other regions of the province.
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