By Bryan Eneas

Province prefers ensuring compliance rather than fines in work zone signage incidents

Aug 23, 2018 | 10:01 AM

There may be a reason why construction signs are left in place even though workers aren’t present.

Besides the fact construction crews may not yet be finished their work, the signs can also denote potential safety hazards to motorists. If signs are left up unnecessarily however, there can be consequences according to Steve Shaheen, a Ministry of Highways and Infrastructure spokesperson.

“We don’t use what we would consider a heavy-handed approach,” Shaheen said. “We’re trying to work with the contractors to ensure there is compliance before it gets to [fines or penalties].”

He said depending on how frequently or severe the signing issues are penalties may be levied through clawing back a portion of the contract the company in question is working on. If the signage issues are creating a major safety issue work may be shut down.

Shaheen noted after the first occurrence a warning is issued. The second time signage is noted as an issue within a work zone, a minimum penalty of $500 and up to maximum $5,000 can be issued. A third subsequent incident can see fines increased to a minimum of $1,000 up to a maximum of $10,000 can be levied.

Trial proceedings

Man charged after violent assault at Prince Albert jail, cleared of any wrongdoing

17h ago

La Ronge police shooting

Court reviews video showing Terrence Daigneault opening fire on La Ronge RCMP officers

18h ago

Down, set, hut!

Local football players bring home gold from Germany

20h ago

Contractors are not held responsible for issues which may be out of their control, like weather conditions, theft or vandalism which affects their respective work zones.

As Shaheen said, the province hasn’t taken a heavy-handed approach to issuing penalties to companies responsible for signage issues.

“It wouldn’t be as many as you may think; there have been 10 contracts incurring a penalty since 2003,” Shaheen said. “We try and work with the contractors, and there are other mechanisms in place to ensure that the proper signage is in place for the motorist.”

If the public has concerns about any particular work zone where improper signage is creating issues, they can contact the ministry over the phone by calling 1-306-244-5535.

He said there are three auditors contracted out by the Ministry whose responsibilities include monitoring for signage issues in work zones.

Shaheen noted the document which provides guidelines to contractors regarding signage, the Traffic Control Device Manual for Work Zones, is currently under review. He was unable to provide a timeline as to when the Ministry would present any changes to the document.

Bryan.Eneas@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @BryanEneas