Legislation Makes Safer Roads and Railways
TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--Legislation Makes Safer Roads and Railways
Ron Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works introduced legislation today that will make the province’s roads and railways safer, and protect the province’s scenic beauty.
The omnibus transportation bill includes amendments to the Public Highways Act, Railways Act 1993, Protection of Property Act, and the Motor Vehicle Act.
The Public Highways Act amendments will improve sign directions, making travelling safer, and protect controlled-access highways from an excess of advertising.
The Railways Act will be amended to give the province clear authority over railways and to incorporate changes to other federal and provincial safety legislation. The changes will also enable the province to deal more effectively with crossing issues, and amendments to the Protection of Property Act will improve enforcement of trespassing violations.
"The province has made a commitment to provide up-to-date railway legislation," said Mr. Russell, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We will also be better able to address matters of safety, including trespassing enforcement, which is an important safety issue."
A series of amendments were also introduced to the Motor Vehicle Act. The first will clarify and enhance the authority of crossing guards by providing a definition and a penalty of six demerit points for failing to obey the directions of crossing guards at intersections. As well, the penalty for failing to yield to a pedestrian in a crosswalk will be increased to four demerit points from two. The penalty for passing a stopped school bus with flashing lights will also increase from five to six demerit points.
Other Motor Vehicle Act amendments will provide a graduated system of penalties for speeding to impose more severe penalties for higher speeds. The new structure is based on an RCMP recommendation, and has worked effectively in other jurisdictions in Canada. The provision for careless and imprudent driving will still be available in instances of excessive speed.
"These amendments will help ensure the penalties for highway offences are in line with the hazard and the public’s concern," said Mr. MacIsaac, Minister of Service Nova Scotia and Municipal Relations. "All of these changes have been recommended by highway safety experts, including the RCMP, and I am pleased to introduce any measures that will improve the safety of pedestrians and drivers on our roads."
Other amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act will allow the sale of an abandoned impounded vehicle after 30 days, strengthen the Motor Vehicle Inspection program, and will provide public access to motor carrier safety ratings established under the National Safety Code.