MEMBERSHIP / CHAIR:

Co-Chair: M. Fuhr (AB)
Co-Chair M. Francis (BC)
Board Member: A. Kaylo (NT)
All jurisdictions

RECORD OF DECISIONS REFERENCE:

Standing Committee on Drivers and Vehicles, May/08, Oct/08
Board of Directors, May/08, Dec/08

REPORTING TO:

Standing Committee on Drivers and Vehicles
Standing Committee on Road Safety Research and Policies (for information purposes)
Standing Committee on Compliance and Regulatory Affairs (for information purposes)
Board of Directors

BACKGROUND:

Not all jurisdictions would be expected to participate in each call or meeting. Members are expected to be a mix of various experts on vehicle issues and it is not expected that all members will be D&V Standing Committee members.

The Vehicle Strategy Overview Group also includes one CCMTA Board member and that person’s role will be to:

- To champion vehicle safety issues with the Board,
- To act as a liaison between the Group and the CCMTA Board,
- To provide insight and direction on planning, organization, reporting, and finance,
- To participate at Group meetings when possible

In 2008 D&V held a number of discussions on the balance and role of driver and vehicle projects on their agenda.

A strategic working group of D&V members was formed to review:

(i) all existing vehicle projects (Vehicle Inspections, Unusual Vehicles);
(ii) existing policies (the 1994 Stolen and Wrecked Program, importation issues of used vehicles);
(iii) emerging issues (for example emerging vehicles, altered height vehicles etc.);
(iv) supporting IRE initiatives; and
(v) vehicles issues and provide strategic direction.

This group raised a number of key issues including the need for:

- More structure on vehicle projects as projects are added to the D&V agenda without a strategic evaluation or prioritization versus other vehicle projects.

- Jurisdictions to become pro-active rather than reactive as new vehicle types are emerging. (When a jurisdiction is presented with an unusual vehicle there needs to be an accessible focal point (tool) to determine if other jurisdictions have had the same vehicle presented, how it was dealt with, are there safety concerns, is it federally compliant, etc.

- Dialogue on a national basis between jurisdictions on new vehicle types to ensure a consistent approach. This is particularly evident when dealing with the media on new vehicle types.

VISION:

Vehicle safety is a component of a national road safety system designed to enable and support collision prevention and to enhance occupant survivability.

MANDATE:

1. To provide a renewed focus for Canadian motor transport administrators to address current and emerging issues related to commercial and passenger motor vehicles, including: safety, standards, inspection programs, vehicle “use” policy, technologies, legislation and investigation;
2. To manage and prioritize all D&V vehicle projects to ensure a national approach is developed. To encourage ongoing dialogue among all member jurisdictions in order to advance vehicle safety issues;

3. To derive a set of national vehicle policies, where possible, for jurisdictional use that incorporates the best ideas and principles included in the currently available literature and maintain their accuracy through periodic review;

4. To establish, direct and manage sub-groups to carry out the work and produce specific deliverables on vehicle issues;

5. To direct and assign sub-groups on vehicle projects as required relating to standards, vehicle inspection programs, investigations, vehicle use and conditions, new technology and legislation. Appendix 1 provides a detailed list of potential vehicle projects/issues. Actively seek the representation of RSRP and CRA participants in the sub-groups (as relevant), to achieve the Board objective of more partnering between Standing Committees; and

6. To act as liaison on behalf of CCMTA with other organizations (e.g.: Canadian Federal Government, AAMVA, Canadian Vehicle Associations, US. Federal Government) and also liaise with all CCMTA standing committees.

SPECIFIC DELIVERABLES / DEADLINES:

1. Develop a Vehicle Classification Model Template by April 2009 to address emerging vehicle types. AB has taken the lead on this aspect and has drafted an RFP for the work. Upon approval of the concept, AB will issue the RFP and fund the work, with possible funding participation of other jurisdictions.

2. Develop best practices based on the vehicle classification model for vehicle types: Segway and Right Hand Drive (RHD) vehicles by April 2009.

3. Develop best practices for LSV’s that incorporates the work outlined in the September 2008 briefing note to the Council of Deputy Ministers and the current crash test results from Transport Canada.

4. Complete a review of the 1994 Stolen an d Wrecked Vehicle Program by determining (i) current compliance, (ii) required updates and (iii) harmonization opportunities with the USA by October 2009

5. Establish a schedule for approved IRE Vehicle enhancements to encourage all jurisdictions to complete their IRE enhancements giving priority to the VIN Pointer File enhancement by having at least 6 jurisdictions participating by April 2010.

MEETINGS:

Meetings will be held at least twice a year with additional meetings on an ad hoc basis as warranted by specific developments.

DEADLINES:

Mandate items:

1. - 2. May 2009

3. TBD

4. December 2009

5. May 2010

STATUS:

Ongoing

January 2009