Better signage and hopefully better enforcement are coming for heavy truck routes in the town of Hawkesbury.
On September 9, council adopted a recommendation to install improved truck route signage, and solar-powered flashing beacons with no heavy truck signs in areas where the large vehicles are not permitted.
New signage was last installed in 2019. In recent months, council has been discussing the frequent disregard some truck drivers are having for the designated routes and are using residential streets to get through town, particularly for access between Highway 17 and the Long Sault Bridge.
The current heavy truck routes in Hawkesbury are along McGill Street between Highway 17 and Main Street, Main Street West from McGill Street to the town limit, Le Chenail Boulevard from Main Street to John Street, John Street from Le Chenail Boulevard to the Long Sault Bridge, and Spence Avenue from McGill Street to Cartier Boulevard. For access to the industrial area in the east end of Hawkesbury, Tupper Street between Highway 17 and Main Street is a heavy truck route, along with Cameron Street between Highway 17 and Aberdeen Street, and Aberdeen Street between Cameron and Tupper streets.
It will cost the town less than $10,000 to install the new signs. The other two options did not include adding the flashing beacons, but the option council selected includes all three options presented by staff. Councillor Yves Paquette said he wants to take a proactive approach and that is why he recommended the choice council made.
“Are we able to fine trucks that do not go the right way?” asked Councillor Antonios Tsourounakis.
Director of Public Works Jonathan Wilson said it is possible, but only with the assistance of police because municipal bylaw officers cannot stop vehicles. He said preparations are being made for an enforcement and awareness campaign. Tsourounakis suggested that the campaign include significant warnings for truck drivers taking the wrong roads, and then stiff fines.
“If you hit them in the wallet, they’ll remember,” remarked Mayor Robert Lefebvre.
“We’re beyond educating at this point,” said Chief Administrative Officer Sam Cardarelli. He said the issue has been going on for some time and that a partnership between the town, OPP, and Ministry of Transportation enforcement personnel is necessary.
“This is a strategy we’re working with the OPP to get this done,” he said.
Lefebvre said has seen trucks taking shortcuts through residential areas.
“It should be an expensive shortcut,” Tsourounakis said.
Councillor Jeanne Charlebois said that once fines are being issued, “The word will get out fast enough,” and drivers and trucking companies will get the message.
