trucking news

Government Works With Independent Truckers To Improve Safety

Roundtable Meeting Results In Practical Solutions

TORONTO, Dec. 21 /CNW/ - The Ontario government is working on a number of practical solutions to help the trucking industry become more efficient and improve road safety, announced Transportation Minister Harinder Takhar. "We had a very frank and worthwhile discussion with truck drivers who know first-hand the issues facing their industry," said Takhar following a recent meeting with members of the independent trucking industry.

Takhar met with approximately 85 members of the Professional Truck Operators and Drivers Association of Ontario on Saturday, December 18. Concerns raised included the overloading of commercial vehicles. The ministry will work closely with members of the industry and the shipping community to come up with practical solutions to this issue.

In response to the Minister's roundtable discussions with truckers, the ministry will be reviewing certain aspects of roadside truck inspections. The ministry will review its processes to ensure that commercial vehicle drivers and motor carriers are not prevented from making minor repairs to vehicle defects at a Truck Inspection Station or at roadside.

MTO is also committed to ensuring the consistent enforcement of truck inspection protocols through a new Officer Code of Conduct.

The ministry is also considering opportunities to improve public education so that drivers of passenger cars can more safely share the road with large trucks. "Improving knowledge testing for both commercial and passenger vehicle drivers is something we're looking at to further improve safety for all road users," said Takhar.

The government is committed to working closely with the independent trucking industry and other industry groups as it launches a review of the Ministry's Commercial Vehicle Operator's Registration system in the new year.

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