On March 5, 2021, BCTA sent a meeting thank you letter to Minister Fleming highlighting the discussion topics of mandatory entry level training, electronic logging devices, speed limiters, Highway 1 infrastructure upgrades, CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program and provincial greenhouse gas targets.

In our letter, BCTA noted that our requests align with the government’s priorities of enabling a more sustainable, stronger and safer commercial transportation sector. To support the commercial road transportation industry, BCTA recommended the following:

• Establishing a competency-based, mandatory entry level training standard (MELT) for Class 1 drivers;
• Mandating the activation of speed limiters on all heavy trucks with a maximum speed set to 105 kph;
• Implementing electronic logging devices (ELDs) co-incident with Transport Canada;
• Investing in infrastructure improvements that reduce traffic congestion and stop-and-go traffic movements and encourage for the most direct routing possible;
• Extending the CleanBC Heavy-duty Vehicle Efficiency Program partnership between the Province and BCTA for at least an additional two years; and
• Supporting the commercial transportation sector in light of measures to contain COVID-19 and ensuring the continued operation of the sector.

BCTA is committed to working with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure to support the shared priorities of the commercial road transportation industry.

Please click here to read our thank you letter. For background information, see the December 7, 2020, Bulletin article “BCTA Welcomes NDP Government & Representatives”