No. H018/06
For release April 28, 2006
OTTAWA — On May 1, 2006, new rail rules requiring reflective material on
Canadian locomotives and freight cars will come into force.
Brian Pallister, MP (Portage-Lisgar), announced the new rules today, during
Operation Lifesaver Rail Safety Week, on behalf of Lawrence Cannon, Minister of
Transport, Infrastructure and Communities.
"Rail cars which have reflective material applied will be significantly more
visible at night," said Mr. Pallister. "This increased visibility will reduce
the likelihood that a driver will drive into the side of a train at a crossing."
The new rules apply to all Canadian-owned locomotives and freight cars operated
by railways that are regulated under the Railway Safety Act. The rules also
outline standards for the application, inspection and maintenance of the
reflective material. All freight cars subject to the rules must be equipped with
retro reflective sheeting within seven years of the effective date of the rule.
All locomotives subject to the rules must be equipped with retro reflective
sheeting within four years of the effective date.
Previous requirements called for reflective materials to be displayed on both
sides of all freight cars owned or leased by CN Rail and CP Rail only.
"Our main concern at Transport Canada is the safety of the public, and that is
why we continue to seek opportunities to protect Canadians," said Minister
Cannon. "By placing reflectors on the cars and locomotives, we are adding to
safety initiatives already in place across the country."
Transport Canada supports many initiatives to improve safety at railway
crossings, including Direction 2006 and Operation Lifesaver. Direction 2006 is a
partnership of governments, railway companies and communities working to reduce
collisions and trespassing incidents by 50 per cent by the year 2006. Through
Operation Lifesaver, Transport Canada, the Canada Safety Council, provincial
safety councils and leagues, police, unions and volunteers work to create
safety-conscious attitudes toward railways and to promote safe driving skills,
attention and adherence to signs and warnings, which will result in fewer
collisions, fatalities and injuries.
The new rules are available at http://www.tc.gc.ca/railway/Rules/TC_O_0_56.htm
Further information on rail safety can be found at www.tc.gc.ca/rail/menu.htm
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Contact:
Cathy Cossaboom
Communications
Transport Canada, Ottawa
(613) 993-0055
Transport Canada is online at www.tc.gc.ca. Subscribe to news releases and speeches at apps.tc.gc.ca/listserv/ and keep up-to-date on the latest from Transport Canada.
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