Point of Privilege Resolution No. 5-03A

WHEREAS, there are more commodities being moved by trucks; and

WHEREAS, these loads are being hauled most of the time on primary highways;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that SARM lobby the government to allow rural municipalities to go to primary weights on designated roads.

Response from the Honourable Ron Osika, Minister of Government Relations:

The department is currently proposing amendments to The Rural Municipality Act, 1989 to permit rural municipalities to establish a weight management system within the municipality that includes the establishment of designated traffic routes and weight limits on municipal roads. The proposed amendments were developed in collaboration with the Department of Highways and Transportation. They are designed to ensure that municipal weight and vehicle route bylaws are not in conflict with provincial transportation policies.

Rural municipalities will be required, when the municipal road joins a municipal road in another municipality, to harmonize the established weight limits or designated traffic routes with adjoining municipalities, and to maintain and encourage the free flow of goods and services throughout the province. The amendments include provision for the introduction of regulations, if necessary, in order to ensure the public and provincial interest is maintained.