Changes planned for ATV access
Increased penalties, pilot project on some roads proposed
Access to some roads, higher fines and longer impoundment times for illegal use of trails are some of the changes being proposed for ATV use in the province.
Transportation Minister Steven Myers announced the proposed changes Tuesday ahead of planned amendments to the Off-highway Vehicle Act.
Myers said the changes to the rules are a first step in making sure ATV riders have access to appropriate and safe trails.
“I believe we can work together to balance the needs of ATV riders with drivers, pedestrians, cyclists and landowners,” he said.
Under the proposed amendments, vehicles that operate on the Confederation Trail will be impounded for 30 days on a first offence and 60 days for any further offences.
That is an increase from the current 24-hour impoundment for a first offence and 30 days for any subsequent offences.
Under the current rules, ATVs are not allowed on the Confederation Trail, and gates are in place to keep it free of non-motorized vehicles, although riders sometimes go around them to use the trail.
Fine amounts would also double under the proposed amendments to a minimum of $500 and a maximum of $2,000 for a first offence.
Any further offences would have a minimum fine of $1,000 and maximum of $2,000.
Along with changes to the penalties, the province plans to allow ATVs on some low-traffic volume roads to connect existing trails in the spring of 2020 as a pilot project.
The government will develop regulations over the winter and access will be granted on a caseby-case basis through permits.
Myers also said talks will continue with the P.E.I. ATV Federation about Confederation Trail crossings.
“They have provided government with a list of proposed crossing locations, we are
assessing these locations to see if they would be suitable for overpasses or underpasses,” he said.
A spokeswoman for the Transportation Department confirmed ATV crossings will not be part of the amendments to the legislation this fall.
Amendments to the Offhighway Vehicle Act are expected to be brought forward in the upcoming fall session of the legislature.