New bylaws tackling ‘predatory’ tow trucks to go before council Thursday​on February 5, 2025 at 8:33 pm

Tow truck operators showing up uninvited to collision scenes could face a $10,000 fine under proposed changes to a city bylaw.

The proposed amendments to Calgary’s traffic and street bylaw come in response to reports of “unscrupulous” behaviour from some tow truck operators late last year.

In November, the Calgary Fire Department said some operators were arriving at collision scenes unrequested and pressuring those involved in an accident to allow their cars to be towed.

In November, Ward 14 Coun. Peter Demong introduced a notice of motion directing staff to address “predatory behaviours by towing companies” at vehicle collisions, which was later approved unanimously by council.

On Thursday, council is set to discuss the bylaw amendments and decide whether to move forward with administration’s recommendations.

The proposed changes would forbid tow operators from being within 200 metres of the scene of a motor vehicle collision or incident unless invited or requested.

The operator would also have to demonstrate that they were invited or requested to attend, and if not could be subject to a $10,000 fine — the maximum allowable fine a municipality can impose.

“This is exactly what we need to move the needle,” Demong told Postmedia on Wednesday.

He said the proposal “empowers first responders” while also putting a penalty that is prohibitive on those trying to interrupt a process that shouldn’t be interrupted.

Demong brought forward the notice of motion even though he thinks tow trucks are a provincial responsibility, and says he wants to work with provincial lawmakers to also make changes at the provincial level.

While tow trucks aren’t the city’s responsibility, Demong noted management of roadways is, “so we can and do have some responsibility there and until the province steps up to help us and other municipalities, this will have to do.”

“I’m pleased at the speed with which it came forward. I know they’re having problems with the roads now, so it’s nice to see while we still have winter and tow truck issues, we’ll actually be able to do something good here,” said Demong.

The issue of predatory towing across Alberta also led the Alberta Motor Association to launch a public awareness campaign in December.

“Our province is seeing a huge number of cases of predatory towing,” AMA associate VP of operations Colin Fritz previously told Postmedia. “These accident chasers swoop in uninvited, apply pressure tactics and ultimately leave motorists facing huge fees.”