Letter to the Editor, June 3, 2006

In response to the article by Jim Kenzie of June 3, 2006 in the Toronto Star

"Furious at fast crash assumptions"

Dear Jim,

You closed your article which appeared in Saturday's Toronto Star, with the offer to provide your ideas on what should be done to reduce deaths resulting from incidents on our roads. I invite your advice and look forward to seeing your specific recommendations.

As for your references to my call for legislation to address the growing problem of street racing, I would like to set the record straight for the benefit of your readers.

You stated that I was calling for a ban on nitrous oxide fuel systems. That is not correct. I am fully aware that these systems have a legitimate application and are used responsibly on race tracks under controlled conditions.

The legislation I tabled in May 2003 and which I am calling on the government to implement does NOT ban nitrous oxide systems. It does ban those systems from being CONNECTED while the vehicle is driven on a ny public road or highway. It further requires that the connection is readily visible for inspection and that the system cannot be connected from the driver or passenger seat of the vehicle.

The Bill also empowers police officers to impose on-the-spot 48 hour licence suspensions and impoundment of vehicles in circumstances where street racing is suspected.

Upon conviction, the bill provides for fines up to $1,000 and jail terms up to 6 months.

While I agree that there is room for improvements to driver training and licencing qualification and that we need stricter enforcement of existing Highway Traffic Act regulations, I also know that we cannot legislate responsibility. And that is why I believe government has a responsibility to put in place laws that will protect the public from the irresponsible acts of the few, who would risk not only their lives, but also the lives of innocent people such as Rob and Lisa Manchester of Oak Ridges.

Should you be interested in reviewing the specific wording of the legislation I am proposing, please feel free to contact me at your convenience or visit my website at www.frank-klees.on.ca

Frank Klees, MPP