Beware Drivers Now Face Doubled Fine For Speeding Through Construction in Manitoba

Manitoba Transportation Minister Steve Ashton announced amendments to the Highway Traffic Act that will see fines for speeding near designated construction zones doubled regardless of whether workers are present starting Friday at the kick off of the annual Safe Roads Campaign Thursday, May 15, 2014.

Lead-footed drivers caught speeding through road construction zones this summer will face stiffer penalties thanks to amendments to the Highway Traffic Act.

The changes, which take effect Friday, will see fines for speeding near construction zones double, and tickets can now be handed out regardless of whether workers are even there.

“This is an important workplace safety and health issue,” explained Transportation Minister Steve Ashton of the amendments, which were passed in the legislature late last year. “Normally it would take some time to roll this out, but this is a top priority for our government.”

The amendments will go into effect in two phases starting first at designated construction zones on highways province-wide and city roads with speed limits over 80 km/h.

Ashton said he expects the new rules will be applied to all streets in Winnipeg starting later in the summer.

The new rules come as the Workers Compensation Board of Manitoba officially kicked of its annual Safe Roads Campaign Thursday morning.