MISSISSAUGA, ON- Ontario’s Parliament passed a new motion to change the rules on how loads are carried on dump trucks.

Brampton-Springdale MPP Harinder Malhi recently introduced a bill proposing that shippers share responsibility with drivers for the weight they load on trucks, according to the Mississauga News.

Balgit Singh, president of Ontario Dump Truck Association said they welcome the change. Of course, drivers are currently responsible for meeting all road safety rules, including accurate weight on trucks. And of course, in case of non-compliance it’s the driver who gets the ticket.

Singh commented: “Once the truck or an axle is overloaded, it’s impossible for the driver to move the dirt with a shovel.”

In May, around 150 dump truck drivers protested in Mississauga over safety issues. One of their biggest concerns was that trucks are being overloaded, causing safety hazards and damage to vehicles.

Malhi also proposes that the definitions of ‘aggregate’ and ‘excavation’ materials should be updated.

“If material like aggregate sand, gravel, rubble, or mixture of anything is in the truck then it’s okay,” Singh said. “But, unfortunately, if the same truck has excavation soil in it, then they get a ticket. So we’re fighting that all loads are similar … weight is weight whether it’s gravel, sand or dirt. It’s a common sense.”  

Read the full story here.