FREDERICTON, N.B. — New Brunswick has proposed changes to the Motor Vehicle Act and the Highway Act that would double fines for overweight vehicles.

The increased fines would apply to trucks exceeding their GVWs and axle weights.

“The most common violation our commercial vehicle enforcement officers encounter on a regular basis is overweight vehicles,” said Public Safety Minister and Solicitor General John Foran. “For those trucks that are within their approved weight limits, this will be added incentive for continued compliance. However, for those in violation, it will cost them significantly more in ticketing.”

The province notes that fines for overloaded trucks haven’t increased in five years and related penalties haven’t gone up since their inception in 1955 or 1968 (for the Motor Vehicle Act and Highway Act, respectively).

“Overweight vehicles reduce the useful life of our roads,” said Transportation Minister Denis Landry. “This results in additional cost for maintenance and rehabilitation earlier than necessary. It’s our hope that these additional fines and penalties will discourage truckers from carrying over-weight loads.”

The province promised to consult with industry before implementing the higher fines.

Some examples of the proposed changes include: A six-axle vehicle overloaded by 8,640 kgs would see fines increase from $786.50 today to $1,568.50; a three-axle truck 1,900 kgs overweight would see fines increase from $338.50 today to $672.50; and a seven-axle configuration 10,550 kgs overweight would see fines jump from $1,006.50 today to $2,008.50.