WHEREAS the quality of highways, road and bridge maintenance services provided by the Ministry of Transportation has a significant impact on the safety of our publicly owned highways; AND WHEREAS the provision of quality highways, road and bridge maintenance services not only ensures safe road conditions for those travelling our highways but also ensures that the maximum life span of our highways infrastructure can be realized: THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED that the Ministry of Transportation, BCGEU and the provinces road maintenance contractors undertake a joint initiative to prepare educational materials that promote public safety and awareness.
Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure Safety is always the first priority for the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure both during the design and construction of new facilities as well as during the ongoing operations and maintenance of the highway system. As part of the ongoing operations and maintenance of the highway system the Ministry takes every opportunity to promote public safety and awareness both as an individual agency and in partnership with other agencies and stakeholders such as our maintenance contractors, community organizations, policing agencies, ICBC and the BC Trucking Association. Educational and awareness campaigns range from pre and post winter meetings to discuss actual operational maintenance concerns in local communities to winter driving tips and techniques that all drivers can employ in their day to day commutes. The Ministry has also implemented our DRIVE BC system that provides travellers with improved access to road condition information allowing travellers to make decisions about their trip routing and timing and provide advance information that will also ensure a safer and more pleasurable trip, particularly in challenging winter conditions. The Ministry will continue to take advantage of all possible opportunities to promote public safety and awareness of with all of our stakeholder groups at both the provincial and local levels.