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there was no way this was going to pass at Queen's Park without some level of opposition .. I honestly don't think it's going to pass.
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MPPs urge detour on teen driver plan
Rob Ferguson and Tanya Talaga
Toronto Star
Nov 25, 2008
The Ontario government is getting an increasingly rough ride over plans to limit the number of young passengers that drivers aged 19 and under can take in a vehicle.
The New Democratic Party is uniting with the Progressive Conservatives in a push for public hearings across the province on the restrictions, which have prompted more than 100,000 people to join a Facebook group opposing the limit.
"You can't legislate any dot and dash of someone's behaviour," NDP Leader Howard Hampton said.
The legislation limits teenaged drivers to one passenger 19 or younger during the first year of a class G2 licence. There would be an exemption for family members.
Hampton noted the limit would make it tougher for teens in suburban, rural and northern areas – where there is little or no public transit – to get to school, work, sporting or social events.
Transportation Minister Jim Bradley said he looks forward to the debate on the changes. He said it wasn't up to him to make the call on public hearings. The bill goes next to a second reading and then to a standing committee, which will determine which parts of the bill will be debated.
Pressure has been building since Bradley unveiled changes to the Highway Traffic Act aimed at reducing the heavy road toll involving young drivers, who are deemed more easily distracted.
"Whenever there is a serious accident that happens as a result of a perceived deficiency in safety rules the opposition stands up and says, `Why haven't you done something about this?'" Bradley said. "Well, we are doing something about this."
The backlash on Facebook and in emails to MPPs shows the government didn't do enough consultation on the changes, said Conservative MPP Bob Runciman.
While parts of the bill are praiseworthy – such as a ban on those 21 and under drinking alcohol before they drive – the passenger limit is "unfair," added the Tories' interim leader in the Legislature.
"Most young adults are responsible," he told reporters, saying it would be ironic if older teenagers could join the military yet couldn't drive with two friends in the car.
New Democrat MPP Gilles Bisson said the law would put more cars on the road when people should be carpooling.
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source:
http://www.wheels.ca/reviews/article/476282
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Palm Trees > Pine Trees , Sand > Snow
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