Ontario Ministry of Transportation
Opinion: Higher highway speeds would be a step in the wrong direction
There was something oddly familiar about Ontario Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek’s case for reviewing the speed limits on 400-Series highways. The routes are designed for 120 km/h, he told media during a recent presentation at the Toronto Region Board of Trade, adding that the general public would be consulted on the issue.
On-road charges, enforcement practices changing
MILTON, Ont. -- The rules of engagement have changed when it comes to the charges Ontario drivers can face – as have the people who might lay the charges in the first place. As of last week, Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement teams expanded their focus beyond speed limiters to include charges for outright speeding, Frontline Commercial Vehicle Solutions’ Alex Bugeya told fleet managers during a presentation hosted by the Private Motor Truck Council of Canada (PMTC).
Sarasin named Canada’s champion inspector
KING CITY, Ont. – Samantha Sarasin, an Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement officer, is a national champion this week. She outperformed all other Canadians during the recent Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance’s (CVSA) North American Inspectors Championship, and just discovered that she came less than six points shy of North America’s grand champion title.
Sticker Shock: Let’s set a balanced price for towing
Some of my earliest work experience came at the benches of a shop that repaired small appliances and vacuum cleaners. And a fond experience it was. Even when off the clock, I loved hanging around the area behind the counter. It’s where the owner’s aging friends would gather to chew the fat over some chewable coffee, and I was welcomed as one of them.
Highway Robbery: The push is on to tackle clearance practices, excessive tow fees
TORONTO, Ont. -- Guy Broderick couldn’t believe the towing invoice that appeared in front of him. The task seemed so simple. An APPS Transport truck only had to be towed a single exit down Highway 401. The clean-up involved nothing more than a bit of coolant that had spilled through a failing lower rad hose. The tow alone cost $2,531 – and that’s after Broderick negotiated a $1,000 discount. The coolant cleanup was billed at another $2,260, which included a $2,000 flat-rated “environmental” fee.
Ontario extends 60-foot trailer trial
TORONTO, ON – The Ontario Ministry of Transportation is extending a trial of 60-foot trailers beyond the retail sector. Permits are now based on Commercial Vehicle Operator Record (CVOR) rather than a semitrailer’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN), the Ontario Trucking Association reports. But the permits – one for each semitrailer -- will list all VINs included in the trial. Participating carriers are limited to eight permits, and just four in the first year of a trial.
Blitz results revealed by CVSA
GREENBELT, MD - Inspectors issued 59,193 warnings and citations in Canada and the U.S. during the Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance's (CVSA's) Operation Safe Driver Week, which ran from October 15 to 21. And passenger vehicle drivers were more likely than their commercial counterparts to be caught speeding. State and local moving violations represented 84.2% of the 38,878 warnings and citations for commercial vehicle drivers, with speeding (7.4%), failing to use a seat belt (2.6%), failing to obey a traffic control device (2.5%), and using a handheld phone (0.8%) rounding out the top five. Among passenger vehicle drivers, the 20,315 citations and warnings involved speeding (43.5%), state and local moving violations (36.2%), failing to use a seat belt (9.4%), failing to obey a traffic control device (2.3%), and improper lane changes (1.5%). Less than 1% of the warnings and citations were for following too closely.
OTA and government meet on parking
TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is bringing the lack of adequate truck parking in the province to the attention of the government. The OTA hosted officials from the Ontario Ministry of Transportation (MTO) and other government consultants at a roundtable on the issue last week to discuss expanded parking options in Northern and Southern Ontario. The lobbying organization says the meeting was well attended by both officials and the group's carrier members who were able to lend a voice to the parking shortage issue, and that all attendees seemed to be on the same page about both long and short-term solutions to the problem.
Green rebates should include older vehicles: OTA
TORONTO, ON - The Ontario Trucking Association (OTA) is weighing in on the Ontario Ministry of Transportation's (MTO) draft Green Commercial Vehicle Program (GCVP). The government announced it was seeking feedback on the proposal in September, with commenting closed as of Oct. 6.
Ep 19: Fifth Wheel
Tractors and trailers connect at the fifth wheel, and the so-called tug test is used to ensure there is no excessive play in the connection. Editor John G. Smith and Samantha Sarasin, Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement officer and provincial Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) instructor, explore the steps taken to ensure a secure connection.
Ep 8: The Duals
Editor John G. Smith and Samantha Sarasin, Ontario Ministry of Transportation enforcement officer and provincial Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) instructor, stop at a dual wheel assembly during a Level 1 inspection. There, they search for potential issues involving tire condition, spring hangers, fifth wheels and more.