Use of snow machines and ATVs in certain Labrador communities

Government Services and Lands Minister Dianne Whalen announced today that six more Labrador communities are no longer exempt from regulations governing the use of snow machines and all-terrain vehicles.

The change means the machines can no longer be driven on roads in the communities of Port Hope Simpson, St. Lewis, Paradise River, Cartwright, Pinsent�s Arm and Charlottetown.

The recreational vehicles were the main mode of transportation in these communities prior to the opening of the Trans Labrador Highway. These communities are now connected to the highway and the mixture of highway traffic and snow machines is now a public safety issue.

"People can operate their snow machines and ATVs on the Labrador snow mobile trails, but these machines can�t safely share the road with cars and trucks," said Government Services and Lands Minister Dianne Whalen.

"The public will be safer as a result of separating the recreational vehicles from highway traffic."

The amendment to the Motorized Snow Vehicles and All-terrain Vehicles Act is in effect immediately. Lifting the exemption means it will now be illegal to operate the machines in these communities without the proper insurance, safety equipment and by anyone under the age of 13.

The RCMP and Town of Port Hope Simpson requested the exemption be lifted out of highway safety concerns. The RCMP will enforce the regulations and conduct education programs in these communities.

Media contact: Tracy Barron, Communications, (709) 729-4860 or (709) 690-6157

2003 12 24                                         11:00 a.m.