Those who get around using off-road vehicles will soon have more time in their day.
On Monday, Chatham-Kent Council voted to amend a municipal by-law that restricted the times off-road vehicles were allowed to operate on municipal roads. Previously, they were only permitted "from one-half hour after sunrise to one-half hour before sunset."
The amendment now allows off-road vehicles to operate on those same roads from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m.
Since the main effect of this change allows drivers to operate in evening and nighttime hours there is one rule that some vehicles may have to adjust for. Off-road vehicles without lights, such as motocross-style motorcycles and older-model XTVs and ATVs, will be restricted to the older hours unless proper lights are equipped.
It wasn't a unanimous decision. One Councillor remains concerned about the safety of drivers, of both off-road and regular motor vehicles, during the evening hours. A concern that is echoed by Chatham-Kent police.
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Previous story below from January 14, 2024
The hours for off-road vehicles in Chatham-Kent may be extended soon if a bylaw amendment gets the green light from Council.
Councillors will contemplate extending the hours of operation for off-road vehicles at their meeting Monday evening.
If the bylaw change is successful, off-road vehicles will be permitted to operate on municipal roadways from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m. to allow off-road vehicles during evening and nighttime hours.
Currently, the bylaw allows off-road vehicles to operate on municipal roads between half an hour after sunrise to half an hour before sunset.
The bylaw also identifies roads where off-road vehicles are not permitted, such as busier paved roads and roads in urban areas.
With the potential bylaw change, obviously lights will be required during the evening and nighttime period.
The municipality also has put up signage at some locations, such as entrances to trails to advise that the operation of off-road vehicles is not permitted in those areas.
"Staff will undertake an assessment of the existing signage and locations, review with best practices of other municipalities, and develop a plan to increase signage in trails, with a focus on areas where issues have been identified," wrote Manager of Transportation Jeff Hagan in his report to council.
Fines for operating motor vehicles, including off-road vehicles, in parks outside of designated areas can range from $100-$200, depending on the nature of the offense.
Fines for damaging plants, trees, equipment, or other municipal property can be between $200 and $300.
The municipality is reviewing fine amounts for park and recreation areas and staff anticipates bringing back a report to council in the fall.
Chatham-Kent police does not support extending the hours of operation for off-road vehicles due to the increased risk of collisions and injuries. CK police noted that nighttime off-road vehicle use tends to be associated with higher rates of impaired operation than daytime use.
Administration said the concern identified by police will be monitored through the annual update of the Road Safety Action Plan.