HALIFAX, N.S. — Nova Scotia highways will be safer under an agreement signed April 4, that says Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations will share commercial vehicle enforcement with the RCMP.

“As a result of this agreement, there will be more sets of eyes watching commercial carriers, resulting in safer vehicles and safer highways,” says Peter Christie, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations.

Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations’ vehicle compliance officers inspect commercial carriers at five weigh scales and through roadside spot checks conducted by officers who patrol the province’s highways and roads.

About 100 RCMP officers will also be on the watch for unsafe or overweight commercial vehicles.

“This is another example of our commitment to integrated policing and our commitment to sharing best practices,” says RCMP Chief Superintendent Ian Atkins.

RCMP and Service Nova Scotia staff will receive cross-training to help them adapt to their new roles. The police will learn how to do a basic walk-around safety check and what documentation commercial carriers must carry. The province’s vehicle compliance officers will learn how to use the police communications system and about safety programs conducted by the RCMP.

Vehicle compliance officers will report to the RCMP any speeders or erratic drivers that they see passing the scale houses or their patrol vehicles.

“We’re looking for overweight vehicles, rigs with safety defects or incomplete travel documents; the vehicles that pose a risk to other motorists and our highway infrastructure,” says Dave Munro, manager of vehicle compliance.