Newfoundland government to close two weigh scales

ST. JOHN’S (May 12, 2004) — The provincial government has announced that it will cut funding for the operation of two truck inspection stations in the province. Treasury Board President Loyola Sullivan says 331 government positions are being eliminated, including nine staff members at the scales.

The Foxtrap weigh scale near St. John’s will be closed, as will the scale at Port Aux Basques on the west coast, leaving just three weigh scales on the Trans Canada Highway: Pynn’s Brook in western Newfoundland, Grand Falls-Windsor in the central part of the province, and Goobies, about 140 km west of St. John’s.

Former Conservative transportation minister, Jim Morgan, said on VOCM Niteline that while he agrees with Newfoundland and Labrador Premier Danny Williams’ attempts to cut back on government spending, the scale closures have gone too far.

Just a few months earlier the province had launched a crackdown to get unsafe equipment off the road.

VOCM News also quoted the president of the St. John’s District Labour Council as saying government’s decision to close the weigh scales in Port aux Basques will put the lives of people in the province in jeopardy. Speaking on VOCM Niteline, Sam Kelly said you only have to drive on the highways to know that the weigh scales are essential.

The closures become effective June 11, 2004

— with files from VOCM