On Oct. 3, it was announced that Yukon Minister of Highways and Public Works Nils Clarke had tabled Bill 44 — also known as the Traffic Safety Act — in Yukon’s legislative assembly.
According to a news release, this would replace the decades-old, “outdated” Motor Vehicle Act with “a modern, forward-thinking approach to traffic safety on the Yukon’s highways.”
“This proposed legislation is designed to make Yukon highways safer by targeting dangerous and impaired driving with the goal of reducing injuries and fatalities,” it states. “The Act includes key provisions including higher fines, tougher penalties and escalating consequences for repeat offenders.”
It goes on to note that the proposed bill was shaped through “an extensive engagement process” with residents, as well as “all levels of government and stakeholders.”
“This crucial legislation will enhance traffic safety and set the stage to tackle significant issues such as high-risk and dangerous driving. The new Act’s structure offers greater flexibility to adapt to society’s changing needs and challenges posed by new technologies, ensuring the Yukon’s roads remain safe for everyone.”
A Yukon government spokesperson was unable to send supplementary information about the Act before press time.
Minister Clarke said in a statement that the tabling came in response to residents’ concerns.
“This legislation, developed in response to feedback from Yukoners, is exactly what our territory needs to effectively govern traffic safety on our highways,” states Clarke. “During the extensive engagement process for this Bill, our government heard Yukoners’ concerns on many subjects, including impaired driving, fees and fines, traffic safety and enforcement. We have addressed these concerns through this legislation, paving the way for safer Yukon highways now and into the future.”
The release notes that, if passed, “several regulations” must be completed before the new Act comes into force. In the meantime, the government would take measures to kick certain portions of the Act into force early — as early as next year. Those portions would include municipal bylaw-making “authorities” and “unsafe driving penalties,” states the release.
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