New Highway 5A pullout another safety improvement, says Stone

NEWS — A $950,000 pullout will improve safety on Highway 5A, says the Transportation Ministery.

The southbound pullout, 12 km. south of Kamloops, has been in use since May but the ministry issued a media release today announcing it. The pullout will be used by Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) as a hub for enforcement and inspections.

Prior to last year’s provincial election, residents along the highway lobbied for a ban on non-local commercial trucking. Ater his appointment to cabinet, Transportation Minister Todd Stone refused the request, saying instead other safety measures would be implemented.

“Highway 5A has seen a significant safety transformation since 2008, with increased enforcement levels and many road safety improvements,” Stone said today.

“As a result, we are seeing a 60 per cent reduction in the number of accidents involving commercial trucks, and a 60 per cent reduction in speeding violations by truck operators. We will remain vigilant along this important highway, to further improve safety for commercial operators, local drivers and tourists visiting the southern interior.”

Speed limits on the highway will remain at a range of 60 to 90 km/h, with 50 km/h within Merritt and Kamloops boundaries.