New Alberta LCV permit rules take effect
CALGARY, (Aug. 16, 2004) — Some Alberta carriers bracing for another tough western winter will also be facing new permit regulations for long combination vehicles recently announced by Alberta Transportation.
The rules — Long Combination Vehicle (LCV) Permit Conditions For Adverse Weather On Multi-lane Highways went into effect last week after lengthy discussions between the Transportation department, the Alberta Motor Transport Association, and both LCV and non-LCV carriers.
A major concern with LCVs operating in adverse weather conditions is the additional length of time required for other vehicles to overtake and pass them, and for LCV’s to pass other vehicles.
The new permit conditions for multi-lane highways state that LCV’s shall not cross oncoming lanes where visibility does not allow it to be done safely. Where there is accumulated snow on the highway or when the highway is icy, LCV’s shall not pass any other vehicle unless that vehicle is traveling at a speed of less than 70 km/hr. And where a highway becomes impassible due to icy or slippery conditions, LCV’s will obey all advisories posted by the authority of Alberta Transportation.
The AMTA reports that the permit conditions for two-lane highways remain unchanged:
LCV’s shall not operate during adverse weather or driving conditions (including but not limited to rain, snow, sleet, ice, smoke, fog or other conditions) which obscure or impede the driver’s ability to drive in a safe manner, or prevent the driver from driving with reasonable consideration for the safety of persons using the highway.
The company is required to make a reasonable effort to determine the driving conditions on the route. Vehicles must not be dispatched when adverse conditions are known to be present on the route, and drivers “encountering unexpected adverse conditions must stop at the next safe location (or as directed by an authorized Alberta Transportation staff member or a peace officer) and wait for the adverse conditions to abate.”
The AMTA says that Alberta Transportation will be mailing the new permits to all permit holders and the information has been forwarded to Inspection Services personnel. The new permit will is available at www.trans.gov.ab.ca/Content/doctype276/production/lcv.pdf
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NO I MEAN NO company drivers hauling LCV’s OBEY these rules and the commercial vehicle officers should be monitoring the highways more on snow covered days .I’ve been a professional driver for over 30 years and our drivers are getting worse every year and I blame it on the lack of enforcement
I have been driving at 60k because of poor road conditions and I have been passed by LCV units doing 100 k or even higher speeds.NO ONE cares anymore government wants to talk the talk but not walk the walk.I think and believe all trucks should have speed limiters installed to 100 k.and companies safety department should be monitoring the ELD’s more closely
during poor road conditions,and take the general publics complaints more seriously.