Demong’s notice of motion targets unsolicited tow trucks [Video]

A Calgary councillor wants the city to protect drivers from tow truck companies that are “preying” on drivers on scene of car crashes.

On Nov. 7, Ward 14 Coun. Peter Demong will put forward a notice of motion to address “predatory behaviors” by towing companies.

The motion seeks to change bylaws, creating a perimeter around crash sites and introducing fines.

Demong says in the motion there is a “growing local trend” of tow truck companies showing up at collision scenes before being called, and later charging “ridiculously inflated invoices” for drivers to get their vehicles out of the lot they’re towed to.

Carter Duczek, 18, and his father Damen say they recently dealt with this type of situation.

Carter was involved in a crash downtown on Aug. 31. He called police, but says a tow truck company arrived on scene within minutes, before officers did.

“It was instant,” he said. …