Alberta calls for more comments on Traffic Safety Act

EDMONTON — The Alberta Dept. of Transportation and Utilities is looking for public reaction to its new Traffic Safety Act, Bill 50.

Tabled Nov. 26, the new act combines four existing acts relating to driver and vehicle licensing, commercial and private vehicle operations, and road safety.

The bill was drafted following public meetings and stakeholder consultations earlier this year that took place with the Traffic Safety Act Discussion Paper. AT&U Minister Walter Paszkowski says further comment is needed in order to refine the bill and reintroduce it during the 1999 spring session of the legislature.

Comments are being accepted through Jan. 22, 1999, via the Traffic Safety Services division of AT&U (403/415-0677).

The new Traffic Safety Act amalgamates the Highway Traffic Act, the Motor Vehicle Administration Act, the Motor Transport Act, and the Off-Highway Vehicle Act into one streamlined, comprehensive piece of legislation.

It is intended to give Alberta law enforcement and motorists a “one-window concept” for driver and vehicle licensing, vehicle operations, and road safety, Paszkowski said.

For truckers, the legislation combines the Alberta Driver Control Board (ADCB) and the Alberta Motor Transport Board (AMTB) into the Alberta Transportation Safety Board. The board’s focus will change from primarily issuing operating authorities (as is the case in the AMTB) to providing an appeal and review process (as with the ADCB). The new board will also hear appeals relating to the Alberta Railway Act, the driver training industry, driver examiners, and commercial transport compliance matters.

The board will continue to issue operating authority to commercial bus operators until the industry is deregulated by the federal government.

The act also gives new powers to municipalities, including the authority to issue road bans. Changes to municipal authority under the act were made in consultation with the Alberta Urban Municipalities Association (AUMA), the Alberta Association of Municipal Districts and Counties (AAMD&C), municipal governments, and with Alberta Municipal Affairs.

AT&U will continue to be responsible for the administration of the new Traffic Safety Act. Private registry agents will continue to issue licences, registrations, and permits through an agreement between Alberta Municipal Affairs and Alberta Transportation and Utilities.

Creation of “Rules of the Road” regulation, equipment regulation, and other regulations will take place after further public and stakeholder consultation. Consultation and drafting of the regulations are expected to occur during the next two years.