Service NL
June 5, 2015

Keeping Roads Clear and Safe

Service NL Increases Highway Inspection Activity for Summer 2015

Service NL has increased its monitoring of vehicles transporting cargo on major roadways for this summer to promote cleaner and safer roads for motorists. The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL, today announced that highway enforcement officials will engage in more vehicle checks, maintain a greater presence at major landfill facilities, and will increase collaboration with law enforcement agencies to ensure drivers know how to properly secure a load for transport, and to ensure offences are addressed.

�Preventing roadside litter by properly securing loads is everyone�s responsibility, as it affects both road safety and our environment. The Provincial Government is doing its part by increasing enforcement measures through Service NL, and performing clean up activity through the Department of Transportation and Works. Motorists and municipal leaders can do their part by familiarizing themselves with regulations regarding cargo securement, building awareness in their areas, and notifying enforcement officials if they see violations.�
- The Honourable Dan Crummell, Minister of Service NL

Service NL reminds the public that when taking waste to a landfill:

• Large objects such as washers, dryers, and furniture must be properly secured with straps or ropes capable of restraining the weight of the object.
• Other loads of smaller debris must be covered with a tarp or netted material to prevent items from blowing around or falling from the load.

Should any motorist observe poorly secured cargo on provincial roadways, they are encouraged to call Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477) as this is a violation of the Cargo Securement Regulations under the Highway Traffic Act. If a motorist is stopped by Service NL Highway Enforcement Officers for improperly secured cargo, tickets can result in a range of outcomes, from a warning to a maximum fine of $600.

For more information on cargo securement, visit: www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/drivers/safetycode/cargo-sec-reg.html.

QUICK FACTS

• Minister Crummell announced increased monitoring of cargo loads on highways today to promote cleaner and safer roads for motorists.
• From January to mid-May, Service NL staff issued 23 tickets to the public for cargo securement related violations.
• For more information about cargo securement regulations, please visit www.servicenl.gov.nl.ca/drivers/safetycode/cargo-sec-reg.html.

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Media contact:

Jason Card Director of Communications Service NL 709-729-4860, 699-0470 jasoncard@gov.nl.ca

2015 06 05                              9:25 a.m.