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NEW POLICY EXTENDS HAULING SEASON, PROTECTS ROADS
For Immediate Release Feb. 18, 2004
Ministry of Transportation, British Columbia, Canada
Ministry of Public Safety and Solicitor General
VICTORIA - The province has approved the use of automated tire pressure control systems to allow industrial hauling on back roads during previously closed time periods, helping to increase
opportunities for B.C.'s natural resource industries, Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon announced.
“This new policy will permit hauling during part of the spring load restriction periods, while
protecting the province’s road infrastructure,” said Falcon. “B.C.’s forest, mining and oil and gas
industries will achieve increased cost savings and improved product quality as a result of increased
access to back roads during the spring thaw ban. Workers will benefit from an extended employment
season.”
During the spring thaw season, back roads are normally closed to large trucks, which can
damage the roadbeds. Slight reductions in truck tire air pressure have been found to significantly
reduce the impacts on roads while still maintaining safe driving standards. The tire pressure control
system allows truckers to automatically reduce and increase tire pressures to pre-set optimum levels
over the course of their trip, based on data entered into an on-board computer.
“The new system is an example of how innovative technology can be used to enhance the
safety of our roads and highways for B.C. industries,” said Solicitor General Rich Coleman. “At the
same time, my ministry staff will have the means and information needed to maintain road safety for
all users.
“We will also be able to ensure that our resource roads are not significantly damaged by
inappropriate use during the spring thaw, thus saving taxpayers money on rehabilitation costs.”
“We believe this is an excellent opportunity to gain more working hours for truckers while
reducing the size and cost of log yard inventories carried through the spring load restriction period,”
said Allan Bradley, senior transportation researcher at the Forest Engineering Research Institute of
Canada.
Companies participating in ministry pilot programs during the 2001 and 2003 spring load
restriction periods have reported they experienced significant cost savings with the system. One forest
company said they saved as much as $200, 000 over four weeks.
A data logger installed in the truck records tire pressure adjustments and driving speed, which
can then be downloaded and, along with vehicle weights, monitored by government staff to ensure
compliance with regulations.
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