Moving Ontarians More Safely Act, 2021 & Towing and Storage Safety and Enforcement Act, 2021
Regulation Number(s):
O. Reg. 455/07
O. Reg. 215/17
O. Reg. 369/09
Instrument Type:
Proposal
Bill or Act:
Highway Traffic Act (HTA)
Summary of Proposal:
The safety of all road users is a priority for this government. For over 20 consecutive years, Ontario has ranked among the top five jurisdictions in North America with one of the lowest fatality rates per 10,000 licensed drivers.

Since 2008, significant improvements in road safety have been made. Between 2008 and 2017, the fatality rate per 10,000 licensed drivers decreased by 13%.

Despite this safety record, there is always room for improvement. The 2017 Ontario Road Safety Annual Report (ORSAR) (latest data available) has identified vulnerable road users, speeding and high-risk drivers as priority areas. There is some evidence, as well, that stunt driving and street racing have increased during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Other concerning road safety trends include growing violence, corruption, criminal activity and consumer protection issues in the towing industry. There is also a need to improve commercial safety and compliance.

This proposal sets out initiatives that, if passed, would help keep Ontario's roads among the safest in North America through enhancements to Ontario's existing stunt driving law and new measures to address vulnerable road user safety and commercial vehicle safety.

These proposals could, if passed, improve road safety outcomes and have an impact in curbing aggressive and high-risk driving behaviour that impacts all road users, including children using school buses, workers on or near highways and street car passengers. They may also improve commercial vehicle safety, industry standards and protections for consumers and businesses, and could strengthen provincial oversight of the towing sector to reduce crime and fraud, promote road user and tow operator safety, and create a level playing field for tow operators.

Improving transportation safety and protecting all road users has far-reaching benefits. The direct cost of collisions in Ontario in 2017 was an estimated $4.7 billion, which includes the cost of property damage, health care, police services, courts, fire and ambulance services, tow trucks, out-of-pocket costs, and traffic delays. These proposals aim to save lives and reduce costs to Ontarians.

The ministry invites comments on these proposals. Please see the attached extended summary of the proposals that may impact business or municipalities for your review.

A proposal notice has also been posted on the Environmental Registry at the following link: https://ero.ontario.ca/notice/019-3534
Analysis of Regulatory Impact:
Of the proposals referenced in the summary, three would have an impact to business (#8, #11, and #12) and three (#6, #9, and #11) would benefit municipalities (see detailed descriptions in the extended summary).

If the proposed legislation is passed, the specific stakeholder impacts of any supporting regulations will be assessed after consultation and may be reposted to the regulatory registry for comment.
Further Information:
Proposal Number:
21-MTO028
Posting Date:
April 26, 2021
Comments Due Date:
May 26, 2021
Contact Address:
Policy, Priorities and Coordination Office
Policy Coordination and Intergovernmental Branch
438 University Ave, 12th Floor
Toronto, ON
M5G 2K8
Canada