B.C. not considering urban snow tire mandate
Posted November 30, 2022 2:30 pm.
Last Updated November 30, 2022 2:43 pm.
Given how much disruption there was on Metro Vancouver roads during Tuesday’s storm, the province says it’s going to speak with road contractors about how to make sure it’s different the next time snow comes down.
While we don’t generally get as much snow as other parts of the country, more flurries are in the forecast for parts of the region on Friday.
Regional Deputy Director of Highway Services Janelle Staite says the province will have talks with the contractors about lessons that can be learned going forward.
“Our contractors as well as our own ministry [of transportation] staff are currently debriefing from last night’s event to see if there are any concrete changes that we can be making,” Staite said during a media availability Wednesday afternoon.
“At this point I can’t share what those are, but I can absolutely assure you that we’re having a debriefing to see that how we ensure we don’t have the same type of congestion.”
CityNews asked Staite if the province has or would consider mandating mud and snow tires in urban areas during winter, but she suggested it would be a major challenge to enforce such a rule.
“At this time there’s no consideration of that,” Staite said. “But certainly we encourage folks to make sure that your vehicle is equipped properly. When you’re out travelling in winter conditions, you need to make sure that your vehicle is equipped to be out there in winter conditions.
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“If you have winter tires available, whether you’re in an urban area or travelling on a highway, those are exceptionally advantageous to help yourself maintain safe travelling operations in these winter events.”
Staite says instead of a snow-tire mandate, the provincial government is asking people to ensure their car is set up for winter driving. If it’s not, the province is urging commuters to look to alternate forms of getting around during a snowfall, whether that be public transit, ride hailing, or cabs.
