Ontario's worst roads campaign underway

CAA North & East Ontario
News Release

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Ottawa - In continuing their commitment to ensuring safer roads for all motorists, CAA North & East Ontario (CAANEO) is thrilled to be a part of Ontario's sixth annual Worst Roads Campaign, launching September 9, 2008. This year's campaign will focus on the negative impact Ontario's crumbling roads and bridges have on your vehicle, the environment and your health. In addition, the campaign will also call on all levels of government to provide long term sustainable funding for improving municipal roads and bridges.

"CAA North & East Ontario remains dedicated to advocating all levels of government to increase sustainable funding for the repair and maintenance of Ontario's municipal roads and bridges," said Korey Kennedy, Manager of Public & Government Affairs for CAANEO. "With a success rate of over 90%, the Worst Roads Campaign allows individuals to clearly identify the roads in their municipality in dire need of repair, which in turn encourages political representatives from all levels to address this extremely important issue."

Starting September 9, 2008 motorists will be able to make their voices heard by casting a ballot in Ontario at participating CAA Travel Centres, Approved Automotive Repair Service (AARS) locations, or by going on-line at www.worstroads.ca. In addition, voters will have the opportunity to share their vote and comments with their Mayor, the Premier of Ontario and/or the Prime Minister.

Since its inception in 2003, the Ontario Worst Roads Campaign has prompted municipalities to take or commit to take action to fix 90% of the worst roads named to the campaign's annual top 20 list. The campaign has helped push local governments to fix roads in places like Timmins, Thunder Bay, Ottawa, Sudbury, and in many other towns and cities across the province.

The Worst Roads Campaign continues to grow in influence and scope. Last year's campaign saw an increase in 1,300 votes over the previous year, with eight of the top twenty worst roads coming from the North & East Ontario region. This year, in our region alone, thirty AARS facilities are participating as well as all nine CAA Travel Centres.

Additionally, this year the Campaign has added a Worst Roads Inspection. From now until November 30, 2008, for the low price of $24.95, CAA Members can visit participating CAA AARS facilities in Ontario and receive a steering, suspension and tire inspection as well as an oil change.

The campaign, sponsored by CAA South Central Ontario, CAA Niagra, CAA North & East Ontario, CAA Insurance and the Ontario Road Builders' Association, will take its message across Ontario during the six-week campaign, visiting more than 40 communities across the province . Balloting opens on September 9, 2008 and will conclude on October 20, 2008. The coalition will announce final results during the last week of October, 2008.

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