The province of Prince Edward Island is considering amendments to the Off-Highway Vehicle Act to grant municipalities the authority to establish regulations regarding the operation of all-terrain vehicles (ATVs). Under the proposed revisions, towns and cities would have the jurisdiction to decide whether ATVs can travel on streets and roads, subject to approval from the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure. Additionally, municipalities would be required to install signage indicating the permissible roads for ATV use.
Advocates, such as the P.E.I. ATV Federation, have been actively supporting these modifications. Peter Mellish, the executive director of the federation, expressed optimism about the potential benefits for communities and the sport of ATV riding. Emphasizing the importance of connecting ATV routes to local amenities, Mellish highlighted the economic impact of the sport, underscoring the need for essential services like fuel stations, accommodations, restaurants, and entertainment options.
In tandem with these changes, the province is proposing heightened fines for individuals caught operating ATVs on restricted roads. Presently, fines for initial violations range from $250 to $500, escalating to $500 to $1,000 for subsequent offenses. The proposed adjustments aim to raise the fines to $500 to $1,000 for first-time offenders and $1,000 to $2,000 for repeat transgressions.
The P.E.I. ATV Federation is advocating for the “Share the Road” initiative, inspired by similar programs in neighboring provinces such as Nova Scotia and New Brunswick. This initiative seeks to expand legal ATV access in a safe and community-driven manner, discouraging unauthorized off-road riding. Mellish reiterated the importance of promoting responsible ATV usage and collaborating with municipalities and the provincial government to advance these initiatives.
The province has engaged with local governments and law enforcement regarding the proposed amendments to the Off-Highway Vehicle Act. Stakeholders and the public are encouraged to provide feedback on these proposed changes until the end of September through the Department of Transportation and Infrastructure’s communication channels.
