A new act to govern Yukon roads put forth in the legislature could see higher fines and penalties for dangerous driving behaviours and repeat offenders, as well as immediate roadside sanctions like licence suspension, vehicle impound and monetary penalties, according to Yukon government officials.
It could also mean the introduction of red-light cameras and photo radar in the territory, although regulations would have to be developed before that could happen, per officials.
Highways and Public Works Minister Nils Clarke tabled the new Traffic Safety Act, to replace the outdated Motor Vehicle Act, in the Yukon Legislative Assembly on Oct. 3.
In speaking to the proposed Bill 215, Clarke took a moment to note his "ongoing profound sadness" following the death of his former deputy minister of Environment, Michael Prochazka, in an Aug. 2 vehicle crash. Clarke, who was a passenger, was seriously injured in the incident. He thanked first responders, pilots and his trauma team at the Vancouver General Hospital for their care, empathy and professionalism.
During a technical briefing the following day, department officials told reporters about some of the most notable changes and how those will impact Yukoners.
The existing act was drafted in 1977 and has been amended over the years to keep up with air bags, e-bikes and electric vehicles but was described by officials as a “patchwork” that’s difficult to interpret and enforce.
The newly proposed act, which has yet to receive legislative approval, draws on best practices from across the country and from working closely with police and other partners, officials said. For example, they said a new lower impaired driving standard would bring the territory in line with Alberta, British Columbia and other provinces.
The act makes it possible to create a combined services card in the future, like B.C. has, per officials. That could see Yukoners getting one card for their driver’s licence and access to healthcare services.
It also includes the ability to authorize pilot projects so the government can test out rules applicable to different vehicle types in a time-bound way without having to amend the act each time.
“It's important to note that the act will not fully be enforced until these accompanying regulations are complete. However, recognizing the urgency of addressing serious traffic safety issues, we've included the ability to create specific transitional regulations that are anticipated to come into effect in 2025,” an official said.
One transitional regulation cited in a background document is to allow higher minimum and maximum fines for speeding and careless driving with the aim being to deter unsafe driving while the rest of the regulations are worked on.
Contact Dana Hatherly at dana.hatherly@yukon-news.com
