Municipality of Chatham-Kent Council voted in favour of extending the hours of operation for off-road vehicles across the community.
At their Monday, January 15, 2024 meeting, Council approved a staff recommendation for off-road vehicles to be permitted to operate on municipal roadways from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Jeff Hagan, manager of transportation, said in a staff report off-road vehicles had been permitted on municipal roads between half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset.
“The main effect of this change will be to allow off-road vehicles during evening and nighttime,” Hagan said in his report.
“Generally, modern ATVs, side-by-sides and XTVs come equipped with lights as standard equipment. Off-road vehicles without lights (typically motocross-style off-road motorcycles or older off-road vehicles) are prohibited by the Highway Traffic Act from operating on public highways later than 30 minutes before sunset unless aftermarket lights are fitted to the vehicle.”
The report stemmed from a motion by North Kent Councillor Jamie McGrail to implement the extended hours.
Hagan said staff will undertake an assessment of the existing signage and locations, review with best practices of other municipalities, and develop a plan to increase signage in trails, with a focus on areas where issues have been identified.
Hagan added the Chatham-Kent Police Service was consulted in the preparation of his report and they did not support the report recommendations due to increased risk of collisions and injuries.
“CKPS noted that nighttime off-road vehicle use tends to be associated with higher rates of impaired operation than daytime use,” he wrote.
“The concern identified by CKPS will be monitored through the annual update of the Road Safety Action Plan.”
Noting the concern from the Chatham-Kent Police Service, Chatham Councillor Marjorie Crew entered a motion to refer the report back to staff, in order for the police to provide more feedback.
However, Crew’s motion was not approved by Council.
Subsequently, McGrail entered a successful motion to accept the staff recommendations.
Hagan said the by-law amendment will enhance the ability of local groups to undertake fundraising activities such as charity ATV rides.
“These activities are often focused on raising funds for charities and not-for-profit organizations that provide service to equity deserving groups, such as people experiencing poverty,” Hagan said.
Read his full report, here.
