Resolutions

WHEREAS, in the event of a storm or unsafe driving conditions the authority to close a Saskatchewan highway lies solely with the Ministry of Highways; and

WHEREAS, once a highway has been closed by the Ministry of Highways, the travellers can only be made aware of the closure through media and the Highway Hotline or through the limited number of digital signs located at major urban centres; and

WHEREAS, in the event of an accident on a provincial highway yet to be closed by the Ministry due to the time it takes for Highway staff to patrol and make the determination on the condition of the road, first responders are required to attend to said accident putting themselves at risk;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED THAT SUMA advocate the Provincial Government to authorize the Royal Canadian Mounted Police in collaboration with the Ministry of Highways to determine if a Saskatchewan highway should be closed once it is no longer safe to travel, for the Provincial Government to install permanent activatable barriers and/or indicators of road closures at more points on provincial highways to ensure travellers are made aware of the road closures and in a manner that alleviates this responsibility from other less equipped local first responders, and to allow RCMP to fine drivers choosing to go around a blockade with an increased penalty.