Here Are All The Major Changes That Drivers Can Expect In Halton
Published May 2, 2019 at 7:52 pm
The Ontario government is introducing a new legislation, in efforts to keep roads safe as well as protect frontline workers, schoolchildren, and motorcyclists.
The Ontario government is introducing a new legislation, in efforts to keep roads safe as well as protect frontline workers, schoolchildren, and motorcyclists.
The proposed changes will include measures to cut red tape, while also saving businesses and taxpayers money.
This new legislation – the ‘Getting Ontario Moving Act’ – was introduced on May 2, 2019, by the Minister of Transportation, Jeff Yurek.
“Our government’s bold new plan would make life easier for the people of Ontario by getting them to work sooner, home faster and to family and friends quicker,” Yurek said in a press release.
According to the release, the proposed legislative changes would increase public safety by introducing a number of penalties and offences. They will first introduce a new offence for any driving instructor that violates a ‘Zero Blood Alcohol or Drug Presence’ requirement. The government will also introduce a tougher penalty for slow drivers using the left-hand lane.
In addition, the government will also allow motorcyclists to use the high occupancy vehicle (HOV) lanes, and strengthen laws that protect roadside workers from careless drivers.
The Ontario government previously announced that it will be giving municipalities the power to put cameras on school buses to target drivers who blow-by. The goal of this is to protect children when they are using crosswalks.
The changes will amend motorcycle regulations to allow for high-styled handlebars, and the use of advanced technologies for commercial motor vehicles. The use of advanced technologies will lead to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and increased productivity within the trucking industry.
The government will also exempt inspections for any Ontario resident who drives a pickup truck or trailer for personal use.
“In everything that we do – whether it’s a program, policy or service – we put the people of Ontario first,” states the press release. “We want to hear from the people who drive Ontario’s roads and highways, and that’s why we will launch two province-wide consultations – one to review speed limits and another to look at rules of the road for bicycles, e-bikes and e-scooters.”
In spring 2020, the Ontario government will also launch a digital dealer registration pilot program, which will allow businesses to apply for permits, plates and validation stickers online.
The program will be developed through a six-month consultation in partnership with ServiceOntario, car dealerships, rental car, and fleet vehicle organizations.
More details about the consultations and pilot project will be released soon.
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