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Latest storm proves snow clearing policy must be changed January 25, 2007 Eddie Joyce, Opposition Transportation and Works Critic and MHA for the District of Bay of Islands, says yesterday's storm throughout the province proves that government's snow clearing policy of removing equipment from the highways between the hours of 10:00pm and 6:00am is unsafe and creating treacherous driving conditions. "I have received many calls this morning from angry motorists on the west coast who feel that road conditions are extremely dangerous," said Mr. Joyce. "On the south shore of the Bay of Islands, traffic has been reduced to one lane due to the amount of snow and ice on the highway. This is a direct result of government removing snow clearing equipment from service overnight and trying to clear roads this morning. This is simply unacceptable. "I have raised this issue several times over the past number of months, most recently days before Christmas. From motorists that have contacted my office, they are fearful that this snow clearing policy is a serious accident waiting to happen. With the amount of snow that fell yesterday and last night, road conditions deteriorated very quickly and should have been cleared. Not only did those who were forced to travel last night experience these hazardous conditions, but morning commuters are also being confronted with treacherous driving conditions. "I am calling on government to once again re-evaluate their snow clearing policy and the decision to remove equipment from the province's highways in the overnight hours. This government has a significant budget surplus and surely some of this money can be invested to improve the safety of drivers on our highways. I will continue to raise this issue on behalf of motorists across the province who use the province's highways on a daily basis until government recognizes the importance of changing this policy."
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