Following the Transportation Minister’s announcement yesterday, MTO officials issued a memo to stakeholders today signalling the roll-out of new X-Ray technology to further support commercial motor vehicle inspections across the province.
The memo states the units will assist MTO officers by increasing the efficiency and effectiveness of cargo inspections, with a focus on detecting non-compliance.
The trucking industry is facing significant compliance challenges and requires governments rethink how to regulate and enforce truck safety rules. In 2025, no other jurisdiction in Canada has shown more recognition that oversight needs to be increased than the Province of Ontario.
This initiative complements the launch of the multifaceted Operation Deterrence, which includes a surge of vehicle and cargo inspections at truck inspection stations, are some of the latest efforts taken by the Government of Ontario to secure our supply chains, enhance public safety and restore much needed order to the industry, says the Ontario Trucking Association.
Historically, truck inspection stations across Ontario were used to weigh trucks. They have since evolved over the last three decades to support oversight and enforcement of several safety regulations.
“With this latest announcement, we are entering another phase and use of this critical MTO infrastructure by adding tools necessary for enforcement to vastly expand its capabilities, including the identification of undocumented cargo and illegal shipments, which are an unfortunate reality in the industry,” said OTA’s Sr VP Policy Geoff Wood. “Understanding the current state of the industry, this technology is a requirement if we are going to restore trust and eliminate risks to public safety. We need to see technology like this, and programs like Operation Deterrence, adopted by all provinces across Canada to ensure the activities cannot migrate to other jurisdictions.”
OTAs’ Secretary Treasurer, Wayne Cooney, president of Cooney Transport, had the opportunity to see the technology as part of the introductory demonstration.
“I was impressed by MTO staff in attendance and Minister Sarkaria’s commitment to making our roads and communities safer,” said Cooney. “OTA looks forward to working with Minister Sarkaria on the strategic evolution of enforcement measures and regulations that govern the Ontario trucking industry. Deterrents such as the technology now in use will significantly hinder the ability for non-compliant operators to continue the status quo and will allow the necessary enforcement and regulatory approach required in 2025.”
The memo also noted the X-ray units will be deployed across the province, but their use is not expected to increase inspection times. It further points out that during the inspection process, when the X-ray units are in-use, drivers will be required to exit their vehicles during the scanning process.