Opinion: "I think the MTO (Ontario Ministry of Transport vehicle safety cops) are vultures."

On my drive to the office the other morning, three MTO vehicles were hidden at the side of the road and two officers were sitting in their vehicles. The third officer came close to the roadside, thinking I was their next victim. Noticing my vehicle was not pulling a trailer, he blended back into the bushes.

Their plan, it seemed, was to bust contractors who were planning a visit to the recycle/dump a few doors down. Contractors who had to work late the previous night trying to finish their work and make an honest dollar, might have been too late that night to offload the garbage onto their trailers.

An 8 am trip would be perfect to unload their debris and get back on the job. Well, almost perfect except for these vultures lying in wait for them.

I’m sure many were caught. In my opinion, this was nothing but a legal entrapment scheme by these MTO government civil servants.

Later that day I received the following email from a CARAHS member and he wanted me to share it with you Canadian Contractor readers. I have not changed any words and only removed his name. This is a top-notch quality contractor and CARAHS is very proud to have a members like him and more.

“One of our trucks was pulled over for a spot check by MTO on the 407. They checked brakes, lights, weighed the truck, checked tires, turn signals, CVOR, registration, insurance, log book, etc., etc.

“They didn’t find anything wrong or deficient. However, we did get a ticket for $110 for an infraction under the Highway Traffic Act. For what? “Toll device improperly affixed” !!!! The HTA protects a private company, and it’s against the law to not have the transponder attached to the windshield!!!

“I have challenged the charge, and am awaiting a phone call from the prosecutor to discuss the charge.

“You should note that, according to my un-scientific poll with colleagues, friends, customers and strangers, 100 per cent (of them) were incredulous to hear that this is illegal. The Hwy 407 website does mention that they “recommend” how to handle their transponders, but it’s not clearly stated that it’s against the law to not have the transponder mounted on the windshield.”

“This is another money grab and entrapment scheme by the government”

WHAT DO THE READERS OF CANADIAN CONTRACTOR HAVE TO SAY ABOUT THIS?

Lets hear your comments….speak up!

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