Minister announces development of new procedures for operation of snow plows

Tom Rideout, Minister of Transportation and Works, today announced that the department is now developing new working procedures for the operation of snow plows.

"This issue was raised by our front-line employees. Accordingly, we investigated and determined that action was required and action will be taken," said the minister. "We rely on our front-line employees for their advice and expertise."

Minister Rideout said, "We anticipate that we will have new operations and loading procedures drafted by the end of the week."

Transportation and Works and Occupational Health and Safety officers have weighed plow trucks, both empty and loaded, to ensure the weight of snow plows is within manufacturers� specifications for axle weights. Transportation and Works will develop a long-term plan for replacement of equipment. The new operation procedures will be also implemented quickly and come into effect this Friday.

The minister went on to say that, "This change in procedures will help to ensure that the plows are operating safely within manufactures� specifications. This will have only a minor impact on operations."

Media contact: Lori Lee Oates, Communications, (709) 729-3015 or (709) 690-8403

2004 11 02                         9:20 a.m.