OTA President David Bradley and VP Stephen Laskowski appeared before the Standing Committee on General Government this week to provide comments on Bill 31 Transportation Statute Law Amendment Act (Making Ontario’s Roads Safer), 2015.
Bill 31 proposes to amend the Highway Traffic Act by extending the maximum overall length of the popular B-train tractor-double trailer combination from 25 metres to 27.5 metres in order to accommodate a longer wheelbase tractor. This is necessary to accommodate more comfortable sleeper berths for drivers, animal strike guards (moose bumpers) and technologies such as auxiliary power units in order to meet more progressively stringent air quality and GHG reduction standards.
MTO currently has permits available for these b-trains now as this bill moves through the political process.
During the committee appearance, Bradley also emphasized the industry’s support for mandatory entry level training and the importance such a policy would play in reducing the driver shortage. At OTA’s convention last fall, Ontario Transportation Minister Steven Del Duca announced his commitment to developing a MELT standard in Ontario.
For further information on the Committee meeting, go to www.ontla.on.ca and click on “Committees”, then “Current Committees”, and “Standing Committee on General Government.”
