Ontario’s Restricted Tow Zone Pilot: What Does it Mean for Drivers?

A breakdown on any of Ontario’s 400-series highways is an anxiety producing experience – now add to that the flurry of tow trucks that descend on a disabled vehicle like crows to roadkill. That ended as of December 13 – at least for the next four years. With their new Tow Zone Pilot program, the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario (MTO) has introduced “restricted towing zones” on most of the major highways surrounding Toronto.

In a nutshell, the roads have been divided up and a specific tow company has been assigned to each zone. This will end the mad scramble by tow truck operators to be “first” on the scene.

But, as important, if not more – a new published schedule of fees is now in effect in these zones. Previously, pricing was often hidden, and services added (that were never asked for). The province will evaluate the program continuously throughout the pilot’s four-year term to ensure it meets the intended goals.
For you, as a driver who becomes disabled, using the new towing system is simple. If you need assistance in a restricted towing zone you call, and the designated tow company is dispatched.

• Call 911 if it is an emergency or if you are in a travelled lane and cannot safely move your vehicle to a safe location.
• Call 511 if you are in a safe location and you need a tow (select the option for the Tow Zone Pilot).
• If you have a roadside assistance provider (such as CAA) you may call them if you need a tow and you are in a safe location on the shoulder.

The following information on the Tow Zone Pilot Project is quoted from the government’s website.

The goals of the Tow Zone Pilot are to:

• Ensure tow operators have the training, experience and proper equipment to clear highways safely and efficiently.
• Reduce congestion and delays on provincial highways by clearing the highway more quickly.
• Help ensure reasonable tow rates for drivers by providing standard pricing and invoicing for towing services in the restricted tow zone.

What to do if your vehicle breaks down or you have a collision in a restricted towing zone:

If you have a breakdown or are in a collision in a restricted towing zone:

• Stay calm and take note of your vehicle’s location.
• If your vehicle is not operational: turn on your hazard lights (four-way flashers).
• If it is safe and available, use safety cones, warning triangles or flares to warn oncoming traffic.

If your vehicle is operational and if it is safe, either:

• Take the next exit.
• Move your vehicle to a shoulder location.

While on the highway, it is preferred you stay inside your vehicle. Wait for responders to arrive and do not try to repair your vehicle or change a flat tire.

• Call 911 if it is an emergency or if you are in a travelled lane and cannot safely move your vehicle to a safe location.
• Call 511 if you are in a safe location in a restricted towing zone and you need a tow (select the option for the Tow Zone Pilot).

Rights of drivers in a restricted towing zone

• Only authorized towing companies operating under contract with the Ministry of Transportation may provide towing services in a restricted towing zone.
• You may select the towing service and destination of your choice once your vehicle is outside the Tow Zone Pilot area (unless otherwise directed by the police).

Obligations of authorized towing companies

Authorized towing companies that are under contract for restricted towing zones must:

• Provide prompt, safe, courteous, and high-quality service in accordance with the standards set by the Ministry of Transportation.
• Show their identification to customers upon request and provide customers with the fee schedule and other information materials.
• Obtain permission to tow the vehicle to the customer’s destination of choice once the vehicle is outside the Tow Zone Pilot area (unless otherwise directed by the police).
• Provide customers with an itemized invoice listing the services provided, the cost of each service and the total cost before asking for payment.
• Allow customers access to their vehicle between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. on all business days and 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday, excluding statutory holidays at no charge so they can get any personal items (unless otherwise directed by the police).
• Not solicit or recommend any services related to vehicle sales, repair shops, body shops, garages or legal/medical services.

Rates and methods of payment

• The rates for the Tow Zone Pilot are listed in a fee schedule provided to authorized towing companies operating under contract with the Ministry of Transportation.
• Towing of breakdowns and impoundments is based on a flat rate that includes towing for a 10-kilometre distance.
• Towing and recovery of collisions is based on an hourly rate. Hourly billed items are based on one-hour minimum for the first hour and 30-minute increments thereafter.
• The preferred modes of payment are credit card or debit card.