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George Sweeney, Opposition Government Services Critic and
MHA for the District of Carbonear - Harbour Grace, says there are many
safety issues that need to be addressed on provincial highways in
Newfoundland and Labrador and he would like the Minister of Government
Services to initiate a review of existing government policies and programs.
"There continues to be many serious accidents and deaths
on our highways," said Sweeney. "There is not one easy solution or program
that would prevent these accidents from occurring but there are some things
that could be done by the government to enhance safety and promote accident
prevention.
"The first action that should be taken by government
is reinstating the highway weigh scale operations that were cut earlier this
year. Trucking companies, safety officers and others have spoken out about
the cuts as being a threat to public safety. The recent accident involving
two tractor trailers outside Corner Brook is further evidence that these
services are essential."
Sweeney says that in the 2004 budget government
increased fees for Motor Vehicle Registration to $180 per year, with the
intention of increasing spending for highway infrastructure. To date,
however, no meaningful investments have been made to improve infrastructure
or highway safety. "Government defended these massive fee increases by
stating we would see an investment in highway infrastructure. Unfortunately,
this money has not been spend for this purpose, our highways are still
unsafe in many areas of the province and improvements are not planned. While
we must accept that things cannot change overnight, I would like to see a
plan developed to rebuild and maintain our highway infrastructure, improve
signage and promote safe driving."
Sweeney says that an education program should be
developed to help increase seatbelt usage in the province. According to
enforcement officials, many of the deaths that have occurred so far this
year could have been prevented if seatbelts had been worn. "Some people are
obviously forgetting the importance of seatbelt use and government can play
a part through increased monitoring and education programs.
"I have already asked that the Minister undertake a
review of the Highway Traffic Act as it pertains to special permits,
inspections and ATV regulations. I think this has to be part of a
comprehensive review and strategy that should be developed to promote
highway safety." |