Typically no upfront cost to the property owner because the vehicle owner pays the tow fee at pickup ($150 to $250 typical). For business accounts with recurring enforcement, monthly retainer arrangements are available with volume pricing above 3 removals per month. First-time property owners should ask about signage review before booking the first tow.
Core Services
Heavy and Recovery
Specialty Vehicles
Roadside Services
Related Help
Read More
Coverage Areas
Outer Cities
Property Owners and Drivers
London Private Parking Towing, Ontario Law and Both Sides
Private parking towing serves two audiences. Property owners who need unauthorized vehicles removed from their lot. Drivers who were towed and need to know their rights. Ontario law (Repair and Storage Liens Act plus municipal bylaws) sets the rules for both, and dispatch works within them on every call.
- Ontario signage law compliant
- Monthly retainer accounts
- Driver rights guidance
For Property Owners
How Authorized Removal Works Under Ontario Law
Ontario law (Repair and Storage Liens Act plus London municipal bylaws) requires three things before a private tow is legally enforceable. Clear signage at every lot entrance, readable from the normal driver approach angle. Written authorization from the property owner or their appointed agent. A proper tow slip that records vehicle plate, condition, and reason for removal.
For property owners setting up first-time enforcement, dispatch can review your signage before the first tow call to confirm compliance. Non-compliant signage often loses on dispute and creates business liability. Signage placement, size, wording, and finish all matter under the Heritage Conservation District Plan in areas like Wortley Village.
For business accounts with recurring enforcement needs (retail plazas, apartment buildings, office complexes), monthly retainer commercial billing accounts streamline the invoicing. No upfront cost to the property owner because the vehicle owner pays the tow fee at pickup. Ask about volume rates for high-frequency scenarios.
Enforcement Dispatch Flow
Private Parking Call Flow: Verify, Authorize, Remove, Paper
-
Signage compliance verified
Photo the current signage on request. Non-compliant signs get corrected before the first tow to protect the property owner from dispute.
-
Written authorization on file
One-time setup: property owner or agent signs authorization form. Subsequent calls confirm identity verbally, tow proceeds.
-
Removal with condition record
Operator photographs vehicle position, plate, exterior condition. Tow slip generated with itemized removal reason and fee.
-
Vehicle to holding lot
Driver reclaims by paying tow fee plus daily storage. Bill of sale and reclaim receipt on file. Standard Ontario RSLA process.
For Towed Drivers
Your Rights After Being Towed From a London Private Lot
Under Ontario law, the tow company must disclose their storage rate on request, provide a signed tow slip with itemized charges, and release the vehicle to you after payment of the tow fee (typically $150 to $250) plus daily storage. They cannot demand additional fees not disclosed at the time of the tow.
If the signage at the lot was unclear, not visible from where you parked, or absent entirely, you may have grounds to dispute the charge. Document the scene: photograph the sign, note visibility from your parking spot, and record the tow company name. Disputes go through the Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) or small claims court, depending on the amount and the specific violation.
For tows by the City of London parking enforcement contractors (municipal tows from public streets or city-managed lots), the reclaim process runs through the City parking authority rather than the private tow company. Different rules and different appeal paths apply. Dispatch answers general questions on either scenario if you call for guidance.
Private Parking Service Menu
Services for Property Owners and Towed Drivers
Four services covering both sides of the private parking equation.
Authorized Property Removal
Unauthorized vehicles from your lot. No upfront cost to property owner.
Learn moreSignage Compliance Review
Pre-tow signage audit. Prevents dispute and business liability.
Learn moreMonthly Retainer Account
Recurring enforcement for retail, apartments, offices. Volume rates.
Learn moreDriver Rights Guidance
Questions about a tow you received. OMVIC and dispute path advice.
Learn morePrivate Parking FAQs
Five Questions Private Parking Callers Ask
Property owner setup, Ontario signage law, and driver rights after unexpected tows.
Contact the tow company listed on the signage or on any notice left at the scene. In Ontario, the tow company must disclose their storage rate, provide a signed tow slip, and release the vehicle after payment of the tow fee plus any daily storage. Bring driver license, registration, and proof of insurance. Payment usually cash, e-transfer, or credit card.
Ontario law requires clearly visible signs at every entrance to the private lot, readable from the normal driver approach angle, stating that unauthorized vehicles will be towed at the owner's expense, plus the name and phone of the towing company, and the storage-fee rate. Signage placement, size, wording, and finish all matter. Missing or inadequate signage is often grounds to dispute a tow.
Document everything from the scene: photo the signage from where you parked, note visibility, record the tow company name and time. Ontario Motor Vehicle Industry Council (OMVIC) handles specific towing regulation complaints. Small claims court handles disputes over the tow fee. Both work for legitimate signage or process violations. General guidance available by phone.
Yes on a monthly retainer arrangement. Setup on the first call: property owner name, primary contact, invoicing preferences, and signage confirmation. Enforcement can be same-day or scheduled patrols. Ask about volume rates for buildings or retail plazas that see recurring unauthorized parking issues.
What Both Sides Say
Reviews from Property Owners and Drivers
★★★★★
Set up monthly retainer for our 40-unit apartment. Signage audit fixed our old signs before we started. No disputes, tenants know the rules now.
apartment manager
★★★★★
Downtown loading zone constantly blocked. Dispatcher confirmed signage compliance and now we clear the zone same-day when needed.
business owner
★★★★
Towed from a Wortley lot with signage I could not see from my spot. Dispatcher walked me through the OMVIC dispute path. Fair conversation.
towed driver
★★★★★
Retail plaza, our first tow removal. They photographed everything, condition report was clear, no drama from the driver dispute. Clean process.
plaza owner
From the Blog
Reading for Property Owners and Towed Drivers
Ontario signage law basics, dispute process through OMVIC, monthly retainer setup considerations.
Driver's Guide
The Ultimate Guide to Choosing a Reliable Towing Company Near You
What to verify before saving a tow company's number, 24/7 dispatch, fleet variety, licensing, transparent pricing, response times and red flags to avoid.
Read article
Emergency Service
24/7 Emergency Towing in London: What You Need to Know
What qualifies as an emergency, what happens when you call, how much it costs, and how to stay safe while you wait, day or night in London Ontario.
Read article
Battery Boost
5 Reasons Car Won't Start After Jump | London ON Guide
Car won't start even after a jump? Learn 5 common causes, dead alternator, bad starter, corroded terminals, and when to call for towing in London, Ontario.
Read articleSave the Number
For the Property Enforcement or the Dispute You Need Guidance On
Save this whether you own a lot that needs enforcement, or you were towed and want to know your rights. Ontario law compliant, monthly retainer available, dispute guidance free.
Signage review before first tow. Monthly retainer for recurring. OMVIC dispute path guidance available.