GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. — The American-based Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) says it’s looking forward to upcoming public hearings promised by Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament regarding legislation on speed limiters.

"We look forward to working with all political parties to ensure that driver safety, a clean environment and a strong North American economy are the foundation of proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act," said Jim Johnston, OOIDA president.

Legislation requiring all trucks in Ontario to enact speed limiters set at 105 km/h passed second reading last week and will head to committee and be opened up for public comments. (see Related stories links below for full coverage).

Despite claims from some proponents that amendments to the legislation are difficult to make at this point of the process, OOIDA says it believes there are opportunities for changes to be made and that "there is a sincere willingness on the part of the government officials to consider all sides of the issue."

"That’s not pandering," said Johnston. "That’s good government."

OOIDA and its Canadian counterpart, OBAC, have been trying to provide a different perspective to how speed limiters would affect safety, the environment and commerce than the one presented by trucking industry supporters like the Ontario Trucking Association.

"We applaud the Ontario government for doing the right thing and allowing the public to be part of the dialogue," added Johnston.

"We at OOIDA work with everyone — government and opposition — to ensure that the legitimate concerns about highway safety, the environment and cross-border trade are front and center in any discussions impacting truckers."