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The MTO has deemed the requirement necessary to protect roadway infrastructure: Trucks equipped with steer axles have better weight distribution, resulting in less road damage.
“This regulation will remain in place and there is no viable reason to waver from it,” the MTO declared in its statement on Tuesday.
The province began this phase of SPIF rule changes in 2011. Tractor-trailers were subject to the steer axle requirement even earlier, from 2000 to 2006.
The MTO said “extensive consultations” were held prior to implementation, and the broad majority of the trucking industry has expressed support.
“We have a responsibility to keep Ontario’s transportation network safe and reliable,” the ministry said.
“More than 99 per cent of the industry has complied with the SPIF standard or is in the process of doing so.”
The MTO noted that vehicle owners unable to comply with the requirement by Jan. 1 will not necessarily have their trucks pulled off the road: “They may continue to operate their vehicles at a reduced weight.”
The Ontario Trucking Association has said it is in full agreement with the government on SPIF.
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