Motor Vehicle Act Amendments Help Make Highways Safer

Nova Scotia highways and streets will be safer for motorists, children and workers, thanks to amendments to the Motor Vehicle Act.

Transportation and Public Works Minister Ron Russell introduced the amendments today, Oct. 20, that will create an alcohol ignition interlock program and double speeding fines in school zones and temporary work areas.

"Drinking and driving is still a problem. The alcohol ignition interlock program will be another weapon in our fight against drinking and driving," Mr. Russell said. "This is proven technology and a valuable tool to deter drinking and driving for those convicted of impaired driving."

An alcohol interlock is a small, hand-held breath-testing device fitted to a vehicle's ignition. A driver must blow into the device and if alcohol is detected the vehicle will not start.

According to the Criminal Code of Canada, driving privileges can be reinstated before the mandatory suspension period is over if a convicted driver participates in the interlock program.

Transportation and Public Works safety officials will be working with the Registrar of Motor Vehicles to define the scope and administration of the program.

The province also plans to double the fines for exceeding the speed limit in a school zone or within a temporary work area on a highway.

Speeding in a school zone or highway work zone is going to cost twice as much.

"Children need to be protected, so speeding will not be tolerated in a school zone," said the minister. "Speed is one of the leading causes of highway deaths. For many employees, the highway is their workplace and they have the right to work safely and effectively."

Mr. Russell called the two Motor Vehicle Act amendments part of government's goal of a safer, stronger Nova Scotia.