When it comes to Wellington County’s accident solicitation bylaw – it seems it’s not really over until it’s over.
On May 17, councillors here passed an amended version of the county bylaw.
In early March, council adopted the previous version, as proposed by the Wellington County Police Services Board, as a means to protect persons involved in accidents on public highways and to ensure emergency vehicles have clear access to accident scenes.
In April, council heard from tow truck operator Roy Loveless, who had concerns with the fairness of the bylaw. Loveless appeared at other municipal councils throughout Wellington, expressing similar concerns.
He was concerned with the impact the bylaw would have on his own towing operation.
Later that month, OPP Detachment Commander Inspector Scott Smith sent through wording to area clerks of a proposed amendment supported by the board to address those concerns.
Minto Chief Administrative Officer and Clerk Bill White’s report to council commented that the points made by Loveless appeared to be addressed, at least in part, by the changes recommended.
The intent of the bylaw is to prohibit parking, stopping or standing of tow trucks on a highway within 200 metres of a stranded vehicle or accident scene.
White said “essentially all that is being done is some words are being added.”
The new wording “if there is a sufficient number of tow trucks already at the scene to deal with all the vehicles that apparently require the services of a tow truck.” He said that means if someone like Loveless appeared on the scene and no one else was there, he would be able to stop and help.
“This is supposed to stop the battle of the tow trucks, I guess,” White added.
Councillor Ron Faulkner had no problem with the proposed changes if the rest of the county is doing it.
“But it’s redundant to have that statement there.”
He explained, “It’s either against the law or it’s not. There is no – if this appears – it’s okay.” However, if the rest of the county agrees with the change, he said it is a non-issue. “It’s an appeasement.”
Mayor George Bridge said Smith feels the change doesn’t weaken they bylaw.
Council approved the amended bylaw, which has also received approval in the other six municipalities in the county.
