Hamilton has barred tow truck drivers from its collision reporting centres after complaints about harassing tow truck operators and body shop representatives.

City and police officials have received a number of complaints from people who say they are being accosted at collision reporting centres by so-called "chasers" pleading for their business, say city officials.

The city has an existing bylaw that prohibits tow truck driversfrom soliciting motorists for business 200 metres from an accident scene.

Tow trucks are also prohibited from parking, stopping or standing on a highway within 200 meters of an accident. The bylaw, though, did not restrict tow truck operators from soliciting people for business at a collision reporting centre.

Repeated complaints

Hamilton police services and the city cited repeated complaints from people about the problems they have endured from these business representatives.

A revised bylaw, approved by councillors earlier this month, prohibits the solicitation within 200 metres of the reporting centre.

"It is the opinion of the police service chasers are 'circumventing the collision reporting system by harassing the drivers into using services of one specific repair facility and making them believe they have no other choices prior to attending the CRC ...," stated the report.

The report also stated that a person involved in a collision "may not be in the best frame of mind" to made a business decision.

Police officers now have the authority to move the tow truck and lay charges.

For a first offense, the fine is $5,000, for a second offense the fine is $25,000 and a third offense will draw a $100,000 fine.

Hamilton has three collision reporting centres. One at Central Station at 155 King William St., 2825 King St. E. and 400 Rymal Rd. E. on the Mountain.