Resolution No. 9-03M

WHEREAS, there are an increasing number of bulk haulers (gravel, grain, etc.) using municipal roads for the transport of goods; and

WHEREAS, there seems to be a corresponding increase in the number of complaints relating to overweight vehicles, excess speed, etc. by these units; and

WHEREAS, it is usually very difficult to obtain vehicle license numbers on these units and identify who the owner of the vehicle is;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, that all bulk commodity haulers be required to display their firm name plainly on the door of each tractor unit.

Response From Honourable Mark Wartman, Minister of Highways and Transportation:

Saskatchewan Highways and Transportation agrees with the resolution on truck identification, No. 9-03M submitted by the Rural Municipality of Harris No. 316, requesting that all bulk commodity haulers be required to display the firm's name.

The Public Service Vehicle Identification Regulations, 1987 prescribe identification requirements. Section 21 of The Motor Carrier Act states that a truck or power unit registered as a public service vehicle is to display identification on each side of the vehicle showing the name and address of the certificate of registration for that vehicle, the registered trade mark of the holder of the certificate of registration for that vehicle, or any lettering or logo that may be allowed by the Highway Traffic Board. The requirements for vehicle identification currently do no apply to farm vehicles.

Response from Blair Wagar, Manager, Highway Traffic Board:

As indicated in the letter to you, dated October 8, 2004 from the Department of Highways and Transportation vehicles defined as public service vehicles (Class A, PB, PC, or PT) are required to display identification. All other vehicles are exempt from this requirement. Commercial Class C and D plated vehicles fall under this exemption because they have restrictions on the distance they can travel and the type of goods they can haul (Group I and II Exempt Commodities).

In addition, most Class C and D vehicles are not exclusively used to transport commodities for hire. In many cases these commercial vehicles are used simply to transport owners own goods. Based on this we feel it would be unfair to expect thousands of commercial vehicle owners to go through the expense of marking these types of vehicles when it is not required. A change like this would impact over 15,000 vehicle owners, many of whom would be hauling their own goods. The Highway Traffic Board appreciates the challenge municipalities' face controlling and monitoring gravel hauls in their jurisdiction. However, we feel an amendment to the regulations that would require all Class C and D plated vehicles to display identification would have a much greater cost compared to the benefits gained.