CAA SCO launches Worst Roads campaign

Auto club renews call for a dedicated provincial gas tax fund

CHATHAM, ON, May 15, 2013 /CNW/ - CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is urging the Ontario government to dedicate a portion of the revenue collected from gas taxes to improving our roads, bridges and highways.

The call came during CAA's 10th annual Worst Roads campaign kickoff.

"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 John Ennis, 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 Ennis. "Drivers are paying the tax every time they fill up at the pumps and they want to see that money reinvested back into infrastructure."

Infrastructure remains a critical issue for all Ontarians. "In Chatham-Kent, we have 3,471 kilometres of roads and more than 850 bridges and culverts of a span greater than three metres," said Thomas Kelly, General Manager of Infrastructure and Engineering. "Our infrastructure inventory has increased by 16 per cent due to provincial transfers of responsibility. We do not have sufficient funds in place to maintain the current level of inventory."

"The infrastructure needs of our community have been studied and prioritized in detail. We have a clear understanding of what needs to be fixed and when, and we will continue to be open to feedback from citizens. What is essential is that senior government funding be both dependable and predictable, so that we can address these short and long term needs in an effective, financially sustainable fashion," added Thomas.

Help make Ontario's road repair bill an important part of the agenda by voting at www.worstroads.ca before May 31st.

Coming off of a significant pothole season, 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 top three worst roads in Chatham were St Clair Street, Bloomfield Road and McNaughton Ave East.

 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
60 Commerce Valley Drive East,
Thornhill, ON L3T 7P9
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