Anyone driving on a closed road in Manitoba may soon be courting a ticket.
Manitoba Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Doyle Piwniuk says Bill 46, which would amend the Highway Traffic Act, will bring Manitoba in line with British Columbia, Ontario and Saskatchewan. Drivers can already be prosecuted for driving on a closed road in those provinces, Piwniuk noted.
“Our government heard from RCMP leadership and their support for measures that promote road safety and stronger laws to help discourage motorists from the dangerous practice of accessing and driving on closed roads,” Piwniuk said.
Read Also
Thunderstorms and straight-line winds
Straight-line winds in thunderstorms can cause as much damage as a tornado and are next on our weather school list exploring how and why severe summer weather forms.
The province has linked the move to the severe weather last winter, followed by serious flooding this spring. Road washouts and closures were widespread in the wake of that weather, highlighting the issue of motorists using closed roads.
“Individuals intentionally making decisions to drive on roads closed due to severe weather conditions, flooding, construction or other safety-related reasons put themselves and others at risk, including emergency responders, operators of snow-clearing equipment and roadway maintenance staff,” said an Oct. 25 release from the province.
If enacted, anyone driving a “heavy vehicle” on a closed road might face a maximum fine of $5,000 under the changes, while drivers of passenger vehicles and light trucks may face up to $2,000 in fines.
[RELATED] The high-tech future of flood fighting
Employers might also be on the hook under the proposed law. Bill 46 would make it an offence to “cause or permit a vehicle to be driven on the closed highway,” a specification that would include employers of staff who drive on a closed road while “acting within the general scope of that employment or agency while driving the vehicle.”
Under the changes, anyone driving on a closed road will waive their chance for compensation against the province or traffic authority should they suffer damage or injury.
Emergency vehicles, infrastructure equipment or drivers who have permission from law enforcement would be exempt. Standard local traffic access, however, would have no such grace.
A provincial spokesperson said alternate routes would be provided for those who need local access, such as residents or producers requiring field access, should a road be closed for construction or maintenance.
“In cases where an alternative route is not possible, individuals needing to access the closed road are encouraged to contact their local RCMP detachment and get their prior permission before doing so,” they said.
