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Ministry of Transportation Ministère des Transports Modal Policy & Partnerships Branch |
| June 29, 2005
Ingrid Phaneuf Dear Ms. Phaneuf: Re: Implementation of Phase 3 Vehicle Weight and Dimension Reforms I am pleased to advise that regulatory changes to implement Phase 3 of Vehicle Weight and Dimension Reforms are now in place. These changes address excessive damage to provincial and municipal roads and bridges and are expected to reduce the numbers of tractor-trailer collisions, while maintaining industry productivity. Vehicles have been divided into four groupings under vehicle weight and dimension reforms. Non-dump semi-trailers equipped with four or more axles and all double trailers built after 2005 must meet Safe, Productive, Infrastructure-Friendly (SPIF) standards or operate at reduced weights. Dump semi-trailers built after 2002 must also meet these standards. Non-dump semi-trailers with one, two or three axles are required to meet SPIF standards by the end of this year or face the first of a two-step weight reduction. Trucks and their trailers will be the focus of the final phase of this project which is expected to commence next year. The Ontario Ministry of Transportation released a comprehensive White Paper in July 2004 which outlined proposed regulatory changes related to Phase 3 of vehicle weight and dimension reforms. This paper became a basis for considerable discussion and feedback resulting in numerous improvements to the original proposal. The efforts of those that participated in this process are much appreciated. Changes related to the first three phases of these reforms are reflected in new Highway Traffic Act Regulation 413/05 titled, "Vehicle Weights and Dimensions - for Safe, Productive and Infrastructure-Friendly Vehicles". This regulation has now been proclaimed into law and replaces Regulations 597 and 32/94 which are revoked. Regulation 413/05 can be accessed at http://www.e-laws.gov.on.ca/. Please do not hesitate to call if you have any questions or comments. Sincerely Ron Madill, Project Leader Vehicle Weight and Dimension Reforms encl.
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