Vote for the worst road in the province and in your region

CAA SCO calls on the province to make dedicated funding permanent

LONDON, ON, April 7, 2015 /CNW/ - This past February was one of the coldest months on record in southern Ontario. As the ice-covered snow banks melt away, a clear picture of our pothole-ridden streets is revealed.

But the annual Worst Roads Campaign is not just about potholes – CAA South Central Ontario (CAA SCO) 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 through April 17, at CAAWorstRoads.com.

This year, CAA SCO will not only compile a list of the Top 10 Worst Roads in Ontario, but we will also unveil the worst roads in seven regions across the province. The regional lists of worst roads will help shine a light on the state of local roads in municipalities across Ontario.

Following the four week campaign, CAA SCO will present this year's list of worst roads and our recommendations to local and provincial officials in an effort to have those roads fixed.

Last year, the provincial government introduced the Moving Ontario Forward plan which, in part, dedicates 7.5 cents of the provincial gas tax for infrastructure and transit over 10 years.

"We support the province's plan for dedicating funds, but there is always room for improvement. We ask that this dedicated funding be permanent and that the government commit to the $29 billion in funding regardless of any adjustments in the amount of HST collected," said Caroline Grech, Government Relations, CAA SCO.

"We are also asking municipalities to keep maintenance and road improvement a top priority, prepare for the inevitable costs of replacing old infrastructure, and consider the impact on local road capacity due to current and projected population growth," added Grech.

Last year, Dufferin Street in Toronto was named the worst road in Ontario for the third consecutive year.

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.

SOURCE CAA South Central Ontario

For further information: Silvana Aceto, Media and PR Consultant, CAA SCO, [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone] or Jeff LeMoine, Communications Consultant, CAA SCO [email protected], Office: [phone], Cell: [phone].