Quebec reviewing winter tire law

QUEBEC CITY - Just months after its adoption, the Quebec government is pondering changes to a measure that would oblige drivers to use winter tires between November 15th and April 15th, after the association representing the province's rental car companies warned it will be impossible to apply.

The Regroupement des Loueurs de Vehicules says rental companies would be obliged to start installing the tires on their cars in mid-September in order to be ready, and that the move will also cause problems for snowbirds travelling South by car.

Winter tires are less effective in warmer weather.

The association's past President Robert Lalande predicts garages will be swamped, and warns it could also be difficult to find tires for new models of cars.

"The problem is they rushed into this law," says Lalande.

The measure was adopted as a last-minute addition to the government's road safety Bill-42 in order to ensure the Parti Quebecois would support its adoption before Christmas.

Quebec was the first province in Canada to adopt such a measure when the law passed in December.

Now, Lalande is calling on the government to be "understanding and flexible," and delay its adoption.

The Chairman of Quebec's Road Safety Experts Group, Operation Nez Rouge Founder Jean-Marie de Konick agrees the association's concerns "are legitimate."

De Koninck admits the group did not have time to study the question of winter tires before making its suggestions to the government ahead of the tabling of the bill, though he says he "supports the minister's decision."

The Transport Minister has created a committee to look at potential solutions.

But, de Koninck says police officers could simply use their best judgement, in handing out warnings rather than the proposed $300 fine.

"When police intercept someone with summer tires and that person is going to Florida on a clear day, with dry pavement... most likely there wouldn't be any problem," he says.