MTO offers temporary measure for overweight/oversize permits

TORONTO (April 12, 2002) — Under pressure from the Ontario Trucking Associatio, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation will allow for a “special amendment” to annual permits for overdimensional or overweight loads, allowing carriers to use existing permits while services are shut down due to a strike by government workers.

The strike by 45,000 members of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union, which began March 13, has made single-trip permits unavailable. An amendment, which carriers must apply for, would allow for weights and dimensions that exceed the annual permit limits, the OTA said, in the following areas:

* Annual permit limits for height (4.26 m) and width (3.7 m. on two-lane highways, 3.85 m. on multi-lane highways).

* Overall length up to 28 metres with an overhang provision.

* The interim measure allows for the weight to exceed 63,500 kg. for specified configurations. However, carriers must notify the Ministry of Transportation (MTO) of the intended move at least four hours in advance, and agree to make payment to MTO at prescribed single trip permit fees after the strike. A special application form has been developed (Application to exercise Special Amendment Privileges on Ontario Annual Permit), and a dedicated fax number established.

* In addition to limiting maximum allowable configuration weights, maximum weights have been established for axles and axle combinations.

For details of the amendment and the related application form, contact OTA’s Communications Department at 416/249-7401, or email info@ontruck.org