(ORILLIA, ON) – The Orillia detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) will be conducting a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) initiative in partnership with the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Severn and Ramara, the City of Orillia, and County of Simcoe, in response to Reduced Load Periods on local roadways.  This initiative has commenced and will continue until the beginning of May.

During the spring thaw, all local Municipalities and the County have load restriction by-laws that are in effect from March until May.  Townships have reported an increase in complaints related to CMV operators that are contravening the by-laws and the Highway Traffic Act (HTA).  Commercial Motor Vehicles that do not follow the regulations cause damage to the roadways, which increases the cost of road maintenance and damages passenger vehicles.  All municipalities and the County of Simcoe have their respective restrictions and road exemptions posted on their websites to provide guidance to the public.  Orillia OPP will be enforcing these offences under the Highway Traffic Act for the duration of the respective Municipal and County by-law periods.  It is the responsibility of all CMV operators to be aware of local regulations and follow them.

The Township of Ramara's Seasonal Load Restrictions Bylaw restricts loads on Township roads to a maximum of five tonnes per axle. The restrictions are in effect in Ramara until April 30, with a possibility of extension. 

The Orillia OPP is committed to serving our province, including the Townships of Oro-Medonte, Ramara and Severn and the City of Orillia, by protecting its citizens, upholding the law and preserving public safety.  If you have any information about crime in our community please contact the OPP at 1-888-310-1122 or report minor occurrences online by visiting www.opp.ca/reporting.  You can also call Crime Stoppers at 1-800-222-8477 (TIPS) or submit your information online at www.crimestopperssdm.com if you have any information on this crime or any other crime. Crime Stoppers does not subscribe to call display and you will remain anonymous.  Being anonymous, you will not testify in court and your information may lead to a cash reward of up to $2,000.00.

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Media Contact

Ontario Provincial Police

Brett Boniface

Provincial Constable - Orillia OPP

Email

Phone: 705 326-3536

Township of Ramara

Ashley Watson

Manager of Business, Communications and Community Engagement

Email

Phone: 705-484-5374 ext.322