CAA SCO launches Worst Roads campaign

Auto club renews call for a dedicated provincial gas tax fund

TORONTO, May 1, 2013 /CNW/ - CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is urging the Ontario government to dedicate the revenue collected from gas taxes to improving our roads, bridges and highways.

The call came today during CAA's 10^th annual Worst Roads campaign kickoff outside Queen's Park.

"The province of Ontario has been collecting a gas tax for decades and it is time we had a dedicated fund to help pay for much needed repairs on our deteriorating roads and crumbling bridges," said Faye Lyons, Government Relations, CAA SCO.

The provincial excise tax currently stands at 14.7 cents on every litre of gas and diesel sold in Ontario which generates approximately $2.3 billion a year for the province's general coffers.

"Motorists deserve gas tax fairness," added Lyons. "Drivers are paying the tax every time they fill up at the pumps and they want to see that money reinvested back into infrastructure."

With the provincial budget being tabled tomorrow and a minority government at Queen's Park, infrastructure remains a critical issue for all Ontarians. Help make Ontario's road repair bill an important part of the agenda by voting at www.worstroads.ca before May 31st.

Ontario is in the midst of pothole season and there are many roads across the province in need of repairs. The Worst Roads campaign is not just about potholes - CAA also wants your feedback on traffic congestion, poor timing of traffic signals, confusing road signs, as well as, pedestrian and cycling safety.

Following the month-long campaign, CAA will present the top 10 Worst Roads in Ontario and our recommendations to local and provincial politicians in an effort to get those roads fixed.

Last year, the City of Toronto held five spots on the Top 10 Worst Roads list.

CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club offering roadside services, automotive care, travel and insurance. There are more than 1.9 million CAA members in South Central Ontario and over 5.6 million members in Canada. We're more than Roadside Assistance. We're Life-side Assistance.

SOURCE: CAA South Central Ontario

Media contact: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Specialist, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Specialist, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].