Ontario Transportation Minister Jeff Yurek announced new, pre-clearance technology at Ontario truck inspection stations that will reduce delays, promote on time delivery of goods and improve road safety.
The Drivewyze pre-clearance technology will identify high-risk trucks as they approach a truck inspection station and provides an alert to Ministry of Transportation enforcement officers to have the truck enter the station for a full inspection. Trucks with good safety records receive an alert to bypass the stop – saving time, money and fuel.
The system automatically screens for safety defects such as tire, wheel and brake failures and over-weight loads. It will be used on either the highway, the truck inspection station ramp or both. It will initially be available as a pilot program at four stations: Vineland, Putnam South, Whitby/Oshawa and Lancaster by summer 2019.
“With the help of pre-clearance and pre-screening technology trucks that have been pre-cleared will not have to stop at the truck inspection station. This will reduce delays, get goods to market faster and improve safety,” said Yurek. “With this new technology, we are once again demonstrating how our government is making it easier for industry across North America to do business in Ontario.”
The Ontario Trucking Association applauded Minister Yurek’s commitment to road safety.
“The Ontario trucking industry is proud of its record as one of the safest in North America. We are always striving to improve further, and today’s announcement is a big step in that direction,” said Ontario Trucking Association President Stephen Laskowski. “This technology investment is going to make roads safer by helping better focus enforcement resources on the small percentage of those in our industry who need it; and at the same time, eliminating red tape issues for the vast majority of drivers and trucking fleets who make road safety a priority each and every day.”
The event took place in London and was hosted by OTA Board member, Rosedale Groups’ Rolly and Ron Uloth.
Also in attendance was OTA Chair David Carruth, who thanked the minister for his commitment to working with the industry.
“On behalf of the OTA membership, I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for its commitment to keeping Ontario open for business and helping make Ontario’s highways safer,” he said.
To further reduce red tape, Ontario recently proposed changes to the Highway Traffic Act to allow commercial truck drivers the option of an electronic cab card, making it easier to confirm driver credentials and reduce paperwork.
