MTO targeted off-duty truckers: OBAC

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WELLAND, Ont. — OBAC is asking the MTO to withdraw all non-safety-related violations written during a recent enforcement blitz in New Liskeard, Ont.

The blitz was held during the Rodeo du Camion event held in neighbouring Notre Dame du Nord. Que.
OBAC believes it unfairly targeted truckers en route to the world-famous weekend truck race and show & shine contest.

MTO inspectors were positioned at the Temiskaming Square Mall, and at various points along Highway 65 east of New Liskeard, the only route available to truckers heading into Quebec.

“This certainly looks like targeted enforcement to me,” says OBAC Interim Executive Director, Leo Van Tuyl. “It seems the chance to take a closer look at 500-600 trucks passing the location over a short period of time proved too good an opportunity for MTO to pass up.”

In a letter to Peter Hurst, OBAC condemned the issuing of tickets of an administrative nature, such as failing to complete a pre-trip inspection report, or failing to maintain a logbook, as a cash grab at best; at worst, pure and simple harassment of truckers by MTO.

“OBAC certainly supports MTO’s effort to maintain Ontario’s superior highway safety record, but it’s a bitter pill to swallow when truckers are singled out for an enforcement action on a weekend when it’s widely known these men and women are heading off to a weekend of well-deserved recreation and relaxation,” Van Tuyl said. “In asking Mr. Hurst to withdraw the tickets, we’re asking him to extend a hand in the spirit of cooperation that the Ministry itself repeatedly asks of the trucking industry. We don’t believe it’s too much to ask under the circumstances.”

The MTO’s enforcement branch has yet to respond to OBAC’s request.

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