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Eddie Joyce, MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says contrary to past
statements made by Government Services Minister Diane Whalen, the decision
to close weigh scales in the province is making our roads unsafe and more
accidents are taking place on our highways. Joyce says he has now received a
confirmation letter from the Department of Government Services that verifies
that a transport truck involved in an accident on the highway near Corner
Brook last fall was 3,900 kilograms over regulated weights. When asked
about this accident in the House of Assembly on December 2nd,
Minister Whalen stated "That was a Budget decision, to close the weigh
scales. We have indeed seen no evidence by closing those weigh scales with
regard to accidents. They are constantly doing their inspections, and our
portable weigh scales people are out in force. We will continue to uphold
highway safety in our Province."
"Last month, Minister Whalen stated that there was no proof that weigh
scales cutbacks were allowing unsafe and overweight transport trucks on our
highways," said Mr. Joyce. "I have received a letter from the deputy
minister of her department that now verifies that a transport truck that was
involved in an accident near Corner Brook was 3,900 kilograms (8,580 pounds)
overweight. Would this have happened if the driver had to go through a weigh
scale inspection?
It is very disturbing that the minister does not seem to know what is
happening in her department. Her deputy minister is well-aware of the
circumstances surrounding this accident, however, Minister Whalen appears to
have no knowledge of the incident. It is obvious that there are problems on
our highways and cutbacks to weigh scales is increasing the probability of
accidents, especially on the west coast where trucks can travel from Pynn’s
Brook to Port aux Basques and points in between without any inspection
whatsoever.
"Earlier this week, we witnessed an accident in Grand Falls-Windsor that
involved a wood truck with an unsafe load. Did this truck go through an
inspection? This minister can continuously try and defend her cutbacks
should she wish, however, it is obvious that her department is well-aware
that these cutbacks are having dangerous consequences. This letter of
confirmation, and the increasing number of alarming incidents that are
occurring on our highways, is of great concern to those using our roads. To
ensure ultimate safety for the people of the province, now is the time for
the minister to re-evaluate her decision to close weigh scales. If the
minister still does not believe my information, she should check with her
own staff. Highway safety should not be compromised in an effort to save
money."
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