Latest news with #AlbertaMotorAssociation
Global News
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Global News
Predatory towing targeted with new collision exclusion zone, fines in Alberta
The Alberta government is creating fines and new rules to crack down on predatory towing. So-called predatory towing is a growing concern in Edmonton and across Alberta, in which scammers or unscrupulous tow truck drivers put drivers in high-pressure situations and tack on the costs. In some cases, drivers have reported being charged up to $2,500 for unrequested vehicle towing services. On Wednesday, Alberta Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen reiterated the concerns about tow truck drivers showing up at collision scenes unprompted and pressuring those involved to unnecessarily accept their services. Dreeshen says that in some cases, tow truck drivers charge excessive fees and don't provide necessary information to those whose vehicles are towed. Starting Friday, the province is implementing a 200-metre exclusion zone around collision scenes, and tow trucks must stay back and not offer their services unless police, emergency officials like EMS or firefighters, or drivers involved say otherwise. Story continues below advertisement Dreeshen said if tow truck drivers don't respect the exclusion zone, they can be fined $1,000. 'The last thing someone needs after a collision is to be taken advantage of by aggressive tow truck operators charging excessive fees,' Dreeshen said. 'These new rules will protect Albertans from unethical behaviour, give drivers more control in a stressful moment, and help reduce insurance costs caused by inflated towing bills.' 1:58 Alberta Motor Association warns drivers about 'predatory towing' The province's move comes after the Alberta Motor Association spoke out last winter, saying that until 2024, so-called 'accident chasers' were virtually non-existent in Alberta. Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Then last summer, there was a sharp increase in complaints. The AMA supports the province's crackdown on unethical behaviour. 'Alberta's towing industry has a long-standing reputation for trustworthiness and professionalism,' AMA president and chief executive officer Michelle Chimko said. Story continues below advertisement 'These clear regulations send a strong message that predatory practices have no place here.' Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter: "These clear regulations send a strong message that predatory practices have no place here." This past May, Edmonton police charged 11 owners of 10 local tow truck companies with fraud. Police said that during their investigation, officers discovered that numerous tow truck companies in Edmonton were allegedly fraudulently billing insurance companies for services that were not provided. 'Albertans have the right to select the towing company of their choice following a collision and should not feel pressured to immediately accept services offered at the scene,' Edmonton Police Service Deputy Chief Nicole Chapdelaine said. 'The EPS has made several arrests related to this predatory practice and are supportive of rules that offer those involved in collisions the space required to navigate an already taxing situation.' 2:02 Edmonton police charges 11 tow truck company owners with fraud The rules are nearly identical to a bylaw passed earlier this year by Calgary city council, and Dreeshen said all Albertans will now have the same protection. Story continues below advertisement The AMA said it's important to know your rights before scammers show up: You have the right to refuse unsolicited towing services. You have the right to choose who tows your vehicle, and where, unless otherwise directed by police. You have the right to access your vehicle to retrieve personal items during a storage facility's business hours. You have the right to ask if the towing company receives a kickback for taking your vehicle to a particular storage facility or repair shop. You have the right to a quote prior to service, and an itemized invoice prior to making payment. — with files from Jack Farrell, The Canadian Press
Calgary Herald
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Calgary Herald
Alberta to crackdown on predatory tow truck drivers with new rules
Alberta is announcing new rules it hopes will deter 'predatory' behaviour by some tow truck drivers who have taken advantage of drivers and the system. Article content At a press conference on Wednesday, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the province will be introducing new rules that would now require tow truck drivers or anyone directing tow trucks to remain at least 200 metres from a collision scene, unless instructed by police or the driver of a damaged vehicle. Those who break the rule will be fined $1,000. Article content Article content Article content 'A small number of bad actors are towing vehicles without providing necessary information to vehicle owners and charging excessive fees. They are financially capitalizing on emotionally vulnerable individuals who have been involved in a collision,' Dreeshen said. Article content Article content While the rules apply to tow truck operators, drivers, police and emergency personnel can still request towing services when needed. Article content In May, Edmonton Police Service superintendent Angela Kemp said owners of 10 towing companies were charged with fraud. She said during the investigation police discovered numerous tow truck companies in Edmonton were reportedly fraudulently billing insurance companies for services that were not provided. Article content Article content Police learned the companies were allegedly inflating bills, including charges to insurance companies for upwards of $5,000 for basic collision tows. Article content Article content 'At this time, police estimate that these 10 companies have cost over $200,000 in fees that affect every Albertan and charges to our insurance companies,' Kemp said. Article content 'Drivers should not have to worry about being taken advantage of by the people who are supposed to show up and help them, and that's when we're talking about tow truck drivers. Please ensure that you are only using the tow truck provider that you have called.' Article content Jeff Kasbrick, vice-president of advocacy and operations at the Alberta Motor Association, said over the last year and a half, there's been an increase in incidents of predatory towing. He said they're hearing 'almost daily reports' in the industry. Article content 'What we want to be doing is making sure that regardless of whether or not emergency services are attending a collision scene, or if it's one that can be reported directly at a collision reporting centre that there's good knowledge about what these rules are,' Kasbrick said.
Edmonton Journal
4 days ago
- Automotive
- Edmonton Journal
Alberta to crackdown on predatory tow truck drivers with new rules
Alberta is announcing new rules it hopes will deter 'predatory' behaviour by some tow truck drivers who have taken advantage of drivers and the system. Article content At a press conference on Wednesday, Transportation Minister Devin Dreeshen said the province will be introducing new rules that would now require tow truck drivers or anyone directing tow trucks to remain at least 200 metres from a collision scene, unless instructed by police or the driver of a damaged vehicle. Those who break the rule will be fined $1,000. Article content Article content Article content 'A small number of bad actors are towing vehicles without providing necessary information to vehicle owners and charging excessive fees. They are financially capitalizing on emotionally vulnerable individuals who have been involved in a collision,' Dreeshen said. Article content Article content While the rules apply to tow truck operators, drivers, police and emergency personnel can still request towing services when needed. Article content In May, Edmonton Police Service superintendent Angela Kemp said owners of 10 towing companies were charged with fraud. She said during the investigation police discovered numerous tow truck companies in Edmonton were reportedly fraudulently billing insurance companies for services that were not provided. Article content Article content Police learned the companies were allegedly inflating bills, including charges to insurance companies for upwards of $5,000 for basic collision tows. Article content Article content 'At this time, police estimate that these 10 companies have cost over $200,000 in fees that affect every Albertan and charges to our insurance companies,' Kemp said. Article content 'Drivers should not have to worry about being taken advantage of by the people who are supposed to show up and help them, and that's when we're talking about tow truck drivers. Please ensure that you are only using the tow truck provider that you have called.' Article content Jeff Kasbrick, vice-president of advocacy and operations at the Alberta Motor Association, said over the last year and a half, there's been an increase in incidents of predatory towing. He said they're hearing 'almost daily reports' in the industry. Article content 'What we want to be doing is making sure that regardless of whether or not emergency services are attending a collision scene, or if it's one that can be reported directly at a collision reporting centre that there's good knowledge about what these rules are,' Kasbrick said.
Time Business News
03-08-2025
- Automotive
- Time Business News
Ultimate Car Wash for Calgarians: Where Detail Meets Quality
Living in Calgary means you understand our city's crazy relationship with weather. One day it's a beautiful sunny Chinook, and the next you're digging your car out of a snowbank. This wild weather is tough on us, and it's even tougher on our cars, which makes finding the right car wash for Calgarians a constant quest. You just want your vehicle to look good and stay protected from the grime our roads throw at it. A reliable car wash Calgary drivers can trust is about more than a pretty shine; it's about protecting your investment. The right car cleaning can make all the difference for your vehicle's longevity. You wash your car, it looks great, and then you drive down Deerfoot Trail. Instantly, it's covered in a film of dust, mud, or that dreaded winter cocktail of salt and sand. It's a frustrating cycle, but skipping the wash services is not the answer, because what's happening to your car is more than just cosmetic. Have you ever really looked at the gunk that builds up on your Calgary car, especially after a snowstorm? That grey, slushy mess isn't just melted snow and dirt. It's a chemical brew designed to melt ice, and it is a nightmare for your vehicle's metal parts and paint. The road salts and magnesium chloride used on Calgary's streets are incredibly corrosive. These chemicals work their way into every little nook and cranny of your car's underbody, suspension, and brake components. The Alberta Motor Association warns that this buildup can lead to serious rust and corrosion, damaging brake lines, fuel tanks, and your car's frame. It's an out-of-sight problem that can lead to expensive repairs and compromise your vehicle's safety. This is why just rinsing your car with a hose in your driveway doesn't cut it, especially in winter. You need a powerful car wash that can get underneath and blast that corrosive material away before it has time to do real damage. Then there's the gravel. We all know the sound of tiny rocks pelting the side of our car on the highway. This gravel can chip your paint, creating small openings for moisture and salt to get in, which is where rust often begins. Regular vehicle cleaning helps you spot these small chips early before they become bigger problems. A good coat of wax also provides an extra layer of protection, acting as a shield against minor impacts. Ultimately, a clean vehicle holds its value far better than one showing signs of environmental wear and tear, improving its resale value when you decide to sell or trade it in. Pulling up to a car wash can sometimes present you with a confusing menu of wash options. Automatic, touchless, self-serve… what do they all mean? Let's break down the main choices you'll find around Calgary so you can pick what's best for you and your car care routine. This is probably what most people picture when they think of a car wash. You pull up, put your car in neutral, and a conveyor belt pulls you through an express tunnel of brushes, sprays, and blowers. It's fast, convenient, and the wash experience is completed in just a few minutes without you having to leave your car. These car washes are great when you're short on time and just need to get the top layer of dirt off. Many offer different packages, from a basic wash to a premium one with wax and undercarriage sprays. Advanced washing technology, such as computer-controlled water pressure and water reclamation systems, makes many of these locations surprisingly environmentally friendly. The main thing to know here is the difference between 'soft touch' and 'touchless,' which has become a big debate among car owners. We'll cover that in more detail next, because it's an important choice for protecting your car's paint. This is a key part of the car wash experience. If you prefer a hands-on approach, the self-serve or wand wash is your spot. You pull into one of the large wash bays, pop some coins in or use a credit card, and you control a high-pressure wand. You get to choose the settings, from pre-soak and soap to rinse and wax, giving you total control over the car cleaning process. The biggest benefit here is control. You can focus on especially dirty specific areas, like behind the wheels, the front grille, or bug splatters on your bumper. Because you are the one doing the washing, you can be as gentle or as aggressive as you think is necessary in the wand wash bays. These serve bays are also very cost-effective if you're efficient. The downside is that it takes your own time and effort. Plus, in the middle of a Calgary winter, standing in a damp wash bay isn't always the most pleasant activity. For those who want the best for their car, a professional hand wash is the top-tier option. At a car detailing shop, actual people wash your car by hand using specialised tools and gentle techniques. This is by far the safest method for your car's paint, ensuring the highest standards of care. These cleaning services go far beyond a simple wash. Detailers can offer a huge range of other car detailing services, including interior deep cleaning, leather conditioning, paint correction to remove scratches, and ceramic coatings for long-term protection. Excellent customer service is a hallmark of good auto detailing shops. Of course, this level of service comes at a price. It's the most expensive option, and it takes the most time. This isn't your weekly wash, but it's a great choice a few times a year or before a special event to get your car looking sparkling clean. When you're in an automatic car wash tunnel, what's actually cleaning your car? This is the heart of the debate between touchless and soft-touch systems. Both have their fans and their critics, so understanding the difference is important for your car's finish. A touchless car wash, as the name suggests, uses only high-pressure water jets and strong detergents to clean your vehicle. Nothing physically touches your car's paint except for soap and water. This is a huge selling point for people worried about scratches. In a Calgary winter, this can be a smart move. Your car is likely coated in abrasive salt and sand. A system with brushes could potentially drag that grit across your paint, causing tiny scratches known as swirl marks that dull the finish over time. A touchless system avoids this risk completely. A soft-touch car wash uses large, rotating brushes made of soft foam or closed-cell foam to scrub your car clean. Proponents say that modern systems use materials that are very gentle and that light friction is needed to remove tough grime that chemicals alone can't handle. They argue that this method provides a more thorough clean. The best soft-touch washes use plenty of water to rinse away debris before the brushes make contact. However, if a wash system is older or not well-maintained, the risk of scratches is higher. It really depends on the quality of the specific car wash you visit. Feature Touchless Car Wash Soft-Touch Car Wash Cleaning Method High-pressure water & chemicals. Foam/cloth brushes & water. Paint Safety Very safe, no physical contact. Generally safe with modern systems. Cleaning Power Good, but can miss stubborn grime. Excellent, friction removes tough dirt. Best For Winter washes, new or dark cars. Removing heavy mud or baked-on dirt. So, what's the verdict? Many people choose touchless during the harsh winter months to avoid any risk of scratching from salt. Then, they might switch to a high-quality soft-touch system in the summer to get a deeper clean. It's not a one-size-fits-all answer, and your choice may change with the seasons. Washing your car in the winter feels different. It's less about a perfect shine and more about survival. This is when choosing the right car wash for Calgarians becomes a mission of protection for your vehicle. The single most important feature of a winter car wash is the undercarriage spray. This is non-negotiable. As we talked about, the salt and de-icing chemicals are your car's worst enemy, and a powerful spray that cleans the underbody is the only way to effectively fight off corrosion. How often should you wash your car in the winter? Many experts recommend washing your vehicle every week or two during the winter, especially after a fresh snowfall when the roads have been treated. It may feel pointless with the next slushy day around the corner, but it's what your car needs to prevent long-term damage. Here's a critical winter tip. Try to wash your car on a warmer day when temperatures are above freezing to prevent water from instantly turning to ice in your door seals and locks. After you leave the car wash, take a moment to dry the insides of your door jams with a towel to prevent them from freezing shut. It's these small finishing touches that prevent big headaches on a cold Calgary morning. For those with larger vehicles, seeking out specific truck wash services Calgary offers is a good idea. A standard car wash might not have the clearance or the power to properly clean a large truck or commercial vehicle. A dedicated truck wash near you will ensure even the biggest rigs get the undercarriage cleaning they desperately need in winter. Cost is always a factor. Prices for wash services Calgary-wide can vary quite a bit depending on the type of wash and the services included. It helps to have a general idea of what you can expect to spend. A basic automatic wash will typically run you between $10 $15. If you want extras like a wax, tire shine, and an undercarriage wash, you can expect to pay closer to $20 to $25. These premium packages often give the best value for protection and a cleaner vehicle. Self-serve wand wash bays operate on time. You might spend anywhere from $5 to $15, depending on how long you take and how dirty your car is. A quick rinse will be cheap, but a thorough scrub with multiple cycles will take more time and money. Professional hand washing and detailing are at the high end of the spectrum. A simple exterior hand wash might start around $40 to $60. Full car detailing services that include the interior can easily cost several hundred dollars, depending on the scope of work. A growing trend you've probably seen is the unlimited wash club or unlimited wash memberships. For a monthly fee, usually between $30 and $60, you can get an unlimited wash count. If you're someone who wants a clean car all the time, especially in winter, these wash memberships can be a fantastic deal that promotes proper car care. When signing up for these plans, you'll often provide personal information and a credit card for recurring billing, so it's wise to review the company's privacy policy. Reputable companies will be transparent about how they handle your data. They often take their branding seriously, with a copyright © notice on their websites and materials to protect their identity. The car wash itself is just the beginning of good car care. Many locations, especially those in Calgary SE, offer add-ons that can help protect your car even further. Sometimes, these extras are well worth the cost for achieving long-term customer satisfaction. Think of wax as a sacrificial barrier for your car. It creates a thin, protective layer over your car's clear coat. This layer helps repel water, makes it harder for dirt and grime to stick, and gives some protection from the sun's UV rays. Most automatic car washes offer a spray-on wax or sealant. While not as durable as a hand-applied paste wax, it's much better than nothing. Getting it applied regularly helps maintain that protective layer and keeps your car looking glossy. A clean exterior feels great, but a clean interior is where you live. The sand and gravel that destroy your car's underbody also get tracked inside on your boots. Those little rocks act like sandpaper on your carpets and floor mats. Most wash locations have powerful vacuums you can use for a few dollars. Keeping your interior clean not only feels better but also prevents premature wear and tear on your upholstery. Using the right cleaning products on your dashboard and vinyl surfaces can also prevent cracking from UV exposure. This is a more serious, long-term protection option offered by auto detailing shops. A ceramic coating is a liquid polymer that is applied to the exterior of a vehicle. It chemically bonds with the factory paint, creating a durable, slick layer of protection. Ceramic coatings are much harder and last far longer than traditional wax, often for years. They create an intensely hydrophobic surface, meaning water beads up and rolls right off, taking dirt with it. This makes cleaning your car incredibly easy and offers superior resistance to chemicals, UV rays, and minor scratches, justifying the investment for many car owners. Keeping your car clean in this city is a challenge, but it is one you can win. The right wash is about more than just looking good for a day or two. It's about fighting corrosion, protecting your paint, and maintaining the value of your vehicle through consistent car care. The perfect car wash for Calgarians depends entirely on your needs. Do you need a quick clean, a deep scrub, or the ultimate protective treatment? Finding the right wash services and wash technology can make all the difference in your ownership experience. Whether you choose a speedy touchless wash to blast off winter salt, a hands-on wand wash for targeted cleaning, or a meticulous hand wash for a summer glow, making regular washing a habit is one of the smartest things you can do for your car. By understanding your wash options, you can find the ideal car wash in Calgary that fits your budget and keeps your car safe from everything our city roads throw at it. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
CBC
07-02-2025
- Automotive
- CBC
$10,000 fine for predatory tow truck drivers considered in Calgary
Calgary city council is considering new measures aimed at protecting drivers from predatory tow trucks. Councillors are responding to situations where motorists involved in a collision are pressured by quickly arriving tow truck drivers to accept their service and clear the road, without getting a quote upfront. Drivers are then hit with sticker shock when they're charged $1,000 or more for a tow, and are sometimes barred from even accessing personal items in their vehicles. Calgary's community development committee met on Thursday and councillors voted 6-0 in favour of bringing recommendations for new bylaw amendments to the next regular council meeting for approval. The recommendations include barring tow truck drivers from coming within 200 metres of a collision on the road, unless requested by a driver involved in the crash, a police officer or a member of the Calgary Fire Department. The tow truck driver will have to demonstrate they were invited to the scene or face a $10,000 fine. Jeff Kasbrick, Alberta Motor Association vice-president of advocacy and operations, welcomes the proposed amendments, arguing predatory towing has been a growing practice within the past year in Calgary and Edmonton. "We think that not only is it important to be creating that buffer, but it's even more important to be making sure there's enough of a disincentive for operators to be breaching that buffer," Kasbrick said. "They are, in these moments of great stress and moments of great uncertainty, preying on [drivers] and creating this great sense of urgency." The problem can even lead to predatory tow trucks impeding the actions of first responders trying to assist drivers involved in the collision. Kasbrick would like to see the measures enforced more broadly, with similar penalties applied to predatory tow truck drivers across Alberta. Last year, the AMA launched the "Know Before The Tow" awareness campaign to remind drivers of their rights to request a quote upfront, choose who tows their vehicle, refuse service unless otherwise directed by police, and access personal items from their car after it's been towed. "It's not just what it is that we do through bylaw or through legislative means, but it's also about making sure that Albertans are aware that this is happening in the province and that they're empowered to stop it in its tracks," Kasbrick said. Coun. Courtney Walcott, who chairs the community development committee, said he was surprised to learn just how much the practice has taken advantage of some drivers, not just in Calgary but on a national level. "A 200-metre buffer might be enough to satisfy what's happening now, but I think it might raise some questions about what are the fines, will they be enough and will they prevent this predatory practice," said Walcott, who represents Ward 8. Jackie Richards, the Calgary director for the Towing and Recovery Association of Alberta, told council on Thursday her association supports any measure to curb "malicious practices" by rogue operators. "This conduct has created unnecessary anxiety for individuals, and it undermines the public trust in the towing industry," said Richards, who is a third-generation owner of a towing company in Calgary. To go even further, Richards suggested the city should consider seizing and impounding the offending tow truck when it arrives at the scene of a crash it shouldn't be at, to prevent the drivers from finding a way to avoid the fine and continue the practice.
