Most of us have experienced the feeling of frustration when on a four-lane highway, we come upon a slow vehicle hogging the left passing lane by driving too slowly.
The government aims to fix that.
The "Getting Ontario Moving Act" will see a number of changes including improving traffic flow and enhancing road safety by introducing tougher penalties for driving slowly in the left-hand lane.
Jeff Yurek, Ontario’s Transportation minister, has also hinted at a review of posted speed limits on Ontario’s 400 series of highways.
They were set at 100 km/h back in the 1970s as an answer to the fuel crisis.
"Our government's bold new plan would make life easier for the people of Ontario by getting them to work sooner, home faster and to family and friends quicker," said Yurek.
Other proposed legislative changes:
- Making learning to drive safer, and reaffirming to new drivers, that it is never safe to drive under the influence by introducing a new offence for any driving instructor that violates a Zero Blood Alcohol or Drug Presence requirement.
- Giving municipalities tools to target drivers who blow-by school buses.
- Allowing motorcyclists to use High Occupancy Vehicle (HOV) lanes - a much safer part of the road for them; and,
- Strengthening laws that protect frontline, roadside workers from careless drivers.
Changes will be made by amending motorcycle regulations to allow for high-styled handlebars; and, allowing the use of advanced technologies for commercial motor vehicles that lead to reduced fuel consumption, lower emissions, and increased productivity within the trucking industry.
"In the coming weeks, the government will make life easier for everyone in Ontario that drives a pickup truck or trailer for personal use, exempting them from the inspection requirements for commercial vehicles," adds Yurek.
"We want to hear from the people who drive Ontario's roads and highways, and that's why we will launch two province-wide consultations, one to review speed limits and another to look at rules of the road for bicycles, e-bikes, and e-scooters."
Also being launched is a digital dealer registration pilot program to allow businesses to apply for permits, plates and validation stickers online. This program will launch in Spring 2020 and will be developed through a six month, province-wide consultation in close partnership with ServiceOntario network providers as well as car dealerships, rental car, and fleet vehicle organizations
