LANGLEY, B.C. — A number of B.C. trucking associations recently gathered to voice concerns about impending regulations affecting non-Transportation Association of Canada (TAC) vehicles.

The B.C. Trucking Association (BCTA), the B.C. Ready-Mixed Concrete Association, the Northern B.C. Truckers Association, the B.C. Aggregate Producers Association, the B.C. Roadbuilders and heavy Construction Association and the Ministry of Transportation all had representatives on-hand at the meeting, which also included members of the Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement Division – the agency responsible for enforcing the new regulations.

Non-TAC trailers are generally those trailers manufactured prior to 1992, and they will be subjected to some limitations as of Jan. 1, 2005.

The BCTA outlined four concerns about the impending changes.

The association suggested that non-TAC vehicles continue to be allowed to be operated until they are no longer roadworthy without the proposed $30 monthly permits that will soon be required.

The BCTA also suggested that tire loading should continue to be a maximum of 110 kg/cm or the manufacturer’s tire weight rating, and not be reduced to 100 kg/cm as proposed.

The association also recommended that quad-axle trailers should continue to be allowed to be operated at 34,000 kg, and not reduced to 31,000 kg as proposed.

The BCTA also recommended single tire boosters for ready-mixed concrete delivery drum trucks be grandfathered at their current weight of 8,000 kg.

The association is expecting a government response to its recommendations in late September. For more information, contact Louise Yako at the BCTA office at 1-604-888-5319.