Resolution 14-01M

WHEREAS, The Saskatchewan Highways and Transport Act permits the transport (driven or towed) of over-width farm equipment on provincial highways between sunrise and sunset; and

WHEREAS, the Province is primarily agricultural with many farming operations using over-width machinery; and WHEREAS, farmers must take advantage of the weather, especially at harvest time, and from time to time must move large farm equipment after sunset;

THEREFORE IT BE RESOLVED, that The Vehicle Weight and Dimension Regulations, 1999 be amended to allow over-width farm machinery to be driven or towed after sunset on provincial highways providing proper warning lights or escort vehicles are used to warn the traveling public of the wide machinery.

Response from The Minister of Highways of Transportation, Mark Wartman:

Farm machinery travels at slower speeds, and it is difficult to determine size, shape or configuration of the machinery during hours of darkness. This, combined with higher speed limits of 100 km/h on provincial highways versus 80 km/h on municipal roads, and higher traffic volumes on the provincial highway system, increases the risk of an accident. To maintain the current level of safety, the regulations restrict travel of farm machinery after dark on the provincial highway system to a maximum of 2.6 m (8'6") wide.

The department has been working with SGI Vehicles Standards Branch, which is responsible for developing lighting requirements for farm machinery. The lighting requirement proposals have now been developed and are awaiting final approval prior to implementation. The department is prepared to review the regulations and policies for night travel of farm machinery using the new approved lighting requirements.