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NEWS RELEASE

CANADIAN AUTOMOBILE ASSOCIATION

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CAA SCO reinforces calls for dedicated funding from provincial gas tax

This winter will likely be remembered as the worst winter in the last 20 years.

The fluctuating freeze-thaw cycle over the past four months has littered Ontario roads with crater-sized potholes resulting in teeth-rattling rides for road users.

With so many roads across the province in need of dire repairs, CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) is urging the Ontario government to permanently dedicate a portion of the revenue collected from gas taxes to fixing our roads, bridges and highways.

The call came during CAA’s annual Worst Roads campaign.

A CAA commissioned report by The Conference Board of Canada concluded motorists in Ontario cover between 70 and 90 per cent of the costs of the road network through fees and gas taxes.

In the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area (GTHA), road users more than cover the full costs of construction, maintenance and policing.

“The province of Ontario has been collecting a gas tax for decades and CAA has long called for permanent, dedicated funds to help pay for much needed repairs on our deteriorating roads and crumbling bridges,” said Faye Lyons, 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 generated approximately $3.1 billion in 2012-2013.

Meanwhile, 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.

Have your say by voting at www.worstroads.ca before April 25.

Following the four week 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, Great Northern Road, London Street and McMeeken Street received the most votes in Sault Ste. Marie, but did not make the Top 10 list.

As a leader and advocate for road safety and mobility, CAA South Central Ontario is a not-for-profit auto club which represents the interests of more than 1.9 million members.

For over a century, CAA has collaborated with communities, police services and governments to help keep drivers and their families safe while travelling on our roads.