TORONTO, Ont. — A limited number of O/O permits for high priority moves will be issued during the ongoing electricity crisis, says the OTA.

The Province has recognized that there is a need to ensure that some O/O movements occur despite the crisis, say OTA officials.

MTO will therefore be issuing O/O permits through a central office to minimize energy use.

MTO has stressed that there are still only a limited number of staff available to issue permits until the state of emergency is lifted. They have therefore asked that carriers and their customers exercise some discretion in asking for permits and that only critical O/O movements be carried out until the crisis is over.

They will do their best to promptly issue permits but if they are overwhelmed with requests the system will break down. MTO is requesting that if the load can wait until after the emergency has passed, that carriers work with their customers to delay these movements.

Carriers that do require an O/O permit can obtain one by faxing an application to 905-704-2545. As there are only a minimal number of MTO staff processing these applications, there are no staff available to answer telephone enquiries. MTO staff will be focusing all of their energies on getting applications processed and permits out as quickly as possible.

Also, given the current circumstances, carriers or drivers may experience difficulty in securing other necessary licences and permits on a timely basis. In recognition of this the Ministry is contacting enforcement services across the province and in other jurisdictions to request understanding and discretion for Ontario vehicles and drivers with improper documentation.