Officers from the Traffic Unit of the Caledon Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) have been conducting inspections and compliance investigations of tow trucks as part of the OPP Provincial Tow Program. A total of 12 tow trucks recently failed their inspection.
As part of the Provincial Tow Program, Caledon OPP implemented the Tow & Storage Service Operators (TSSO) program on January 1, 2022. This program was provincially launched to regulate tow truck operators, ensure vehicle and equipment standards are met, regulate vehicle impound operations, and to protect the public. TSSO’s wishing to work with the OPP must apply, be approved, and are subject to rules and regulations. Violations may result in the suspension of a towing and storage operator.
Officers have been busy with inspections for the 2023 TSSO program. Approximately 40 tow trucks attended the Caledon OPP Detachment for a scheduled inspection, 12 of which failed to meet the requirements. While many of the failures were due to broken and missing tow equipment (winches, hooks, lighting, etc), others were attributed to general commercial motor vehicle (CMV) safety requirements and defects such as expired annual safety certificates, missing driver seat belt, fuel leaks, and other deficiencies.
One vehicle was taken out of service and required to be towed. Two drivers, on two separate occasions, were charged for driving while under suspension. In another incident, an officer conducted a traffic stop due to excessive window tint. The tow truck driver was charged with multiple offences such as improper tires, excessive window tint, document offences, and an expired commercial vehicle inspection certificate. The plates were seized, and the truck required a tow.
The OPP also acknowledges and commends the many safe CMV drivers who contribute to safe Ontario roads. For more information on safety requirements for commercial motor vehicle in Ontario, visit: https://www.ontario.ca/page/commercial-vehicles
The application package, new list of mandatory TSSO equipment, guidelines for providing towing services to the OPP and other information are available at opp.ca
The post Twelve Tow Trucks Failed TSSO Inspections in Caledon appeared first on Just Sayin' Caledon.