City needs power to tow Uber: Mammo
 
TorontoSun.com
Nov. 3, 2015
Don Peat

If UberX won’t toe the line, Councillor Giorgio Mammoliti thinks the city should be able to tow its drivers’ cars.

Mammoliti wants council to vote this week to ask the province for the power to tow UberX vehicles caught breaking the city’s taxi and limo rules.

“If we do that as part of (our) enforcement measures, it might bring Uber to the table and want to co-operate a little bit more,” Mammoliti said Tuesday.

He argued Premier Kathleen Wynne could give the city that power immediately.

“Based on what’s happening, I think the premier has no choice but to weigh in to this whole Uber debate — she either agrees with what’s going on or she doesn’t,” Mammoliti said.

“Uber is not stupid and they’ve capitalized on this city.”

Uber Canada spokesman Susie Heath said Mammoliti “has once again proven that he’s out of touch with the vast majority of Torontonians who want smart regulations permanently welcoming ridesharing in this city.”

“We remain committed to working collaboratively with the mayor, city council and staff,” she said.

Councillor Shelley Carroll said council should follow advice from licensing staff on how to deal with Uber.

“The reason we have the civilization we have is that we have consumer protections, business protections, regulations and licences. We’re asking Uber to come into that.”