Amendments to speed limiter bill still possible, OOIDA says

Jim Johnston, OOIDA president, says the Canadian government is willing hear how a speed limiter proposal would effect drivers.

The Trucker News Services

5/16/2008

GRAIN VALLEY, Mo. – The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association (OOIDA) today said it looks forward to upcoming public hearings promised by Ontario Members of Provincial Parliament in Canada regarding legislation on speed limiters.

“We look forward to working with all political parties to ensure that driver safety, a clean environment and a strong North American economy are the foundation of proposed changes to Ontario’s Highway Traffic Act,” said Jim Johnston, OOIDA president.

In a news release issued today, Johnston said OOIDA has been working with the Ontario government “to provide a different perspective than what has been previously presented by trucking industry proponents of speed limiters. Those discussions have indicated an open mind on the part of the government and a willingness to hear how such mandates would affect all with regard to safety, the environment and commerce.

“We applaud the Ontario government for doing the right thing and allowing the public to be part of the dialogue,” he added.

Johnston said he is pleased that the Ontario government is willing to listen to the experts as well as to the small-business men and women who will most directly be impacted by the proposed changes.

He explained that OOIDA does not take the view of other trucking organizations that are dismissive of the democratic process.

“Accusing the Ontario Opposition Parties of ‘pandering’ to the interests of independent drivers is a slap in the face to the hardworking men and women who have been elected to represent their constituents’ views,” he commented. “We at OOIDA work with everyone – government and opposition – to ensure that the legitimate concerns about highway safety, the environment and cross-border trade are front and center in any discussions impacting truckers.”

OOIDA believes there are opportunities for amendments to be made during the committee process and that there is a sincere willingness on the part of the government officials to consider all sides of the issue. “That’s not pandering,” said Johnston. “That’s good government.”

OOIDA is a trade association representing the interests of small-business trucking professionals and professional truck drivers. The Association currently has more than 162,000 members in the United States and Canada. OOIDA was established in 1973 and is headquartered in the greater Kansas City, Mo., area.