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Winter driving in British Columbia, with its mountain pbades and heavy snow, can sometimes be a breathtaking experience.
On Wednesday, the provincial government announced stronger rules for the web that should, in theory, make driving in winter on mountain pbades less stressful. More specifically, the improved rules target commercial vehicles, with the government stating that stricter string regulations will improve road safety.
"Last winter, 33 of the 35 long-term closures at Coquihalla involved commercial vehicles, which was in most cases attributable to truck drivers who did not install the chains or did not use them at all," he said. Claire Trevena, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure of British Columbia. . "While most drivers will go out during the winter, these new regulations and the tougher fines that follow will improve safety and hopefully reduce the number of closures."
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According to the provincial government, previous regulations required vehicles weighing more than 27,000 kilograms to transport and use traction devices, a single wheel requiring winter chains and mandatory chains. The new, more comprehensive upgrades clarify requirements for all commercial vehicles over 5,000 kilograms.
- Vehicles weighing less than 11,794 kilograms, such as buses or five-ton trucks, must use chains with at least two tires and may use steel chains, cable chains, automatic chains, socks or sanders if they are not equipped with winter tires.
- Vehicles over 11,794 kilograms or more must use steel chains, and the number of tires requiring chains ranges from a minimum of two tires for vehicles without a six-wheel trailer to larger configurations and more demanding.
READ MORE:
British Columbia launches new "No Trucks in the Left Lane" program on Coquihalla Road
In announcing the new rules, the department said it was aware that the notice was short for the commercial vehicle industry and that it would "balance the need for safety and reliability by giving the industry the time to adapt its practices to the new regulations.
The government added that security and law enforcement agents for commercial vehicles will inform and inform drivers in the coming months before stiffer fines are put in place and enforced. Previously, drivers were subject to a basic $ 121 penalty for failing to carry the chains or not having them installed as needed.
"The B.C. Trucking Association [BCTA] supports the government's improvements to the requirements for increased commercial channels, including higher fines for non-conformists, "said Dave Earle, President and CEO of BCTA. "The safety of our drivers and all road users is our first priority."
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The ministry said it conducted a survey in June of the commercial vehicle sector and stakeholders on the proposed changes. The results of the survey indicate:
- More than 70% of commercial vehicle drivers surveyed approved improvements in the quality and requirements of traction devices.
- More than 90% of respondents said they already comply with the regulations.
- Over 80% reported having the necessary tools and training to implement the proposed regulation.
For more information on regulatory and penalty enhancements, click here.
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