Editor:
Re: Article on GVW of trailers (November 18, 2009, Osoyoos Times)
We want to thank the Osoyoos Times for raising the issue of the possible need for a driver’s licence endorsement in order to tow certain recreational trailers and would like to offer some additional information for our customers.
In 2003, primarily in recognition of the growth in weight of RV house trailers, ICBC introduced a special driver’s licence endorsement to their existing Class 4, 5 or 7 licences.
This provides our customers with an easier alternative to having to obtain a full commercial driver’s licence in order to tow an RV house trailer weighing more than 4,600 kilograms.
It is important to understand that exceeding the 4,600 kilograms which triggers the requirement does not refer to the Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR).
GVWR is the weight specified by the vehicle manufacturer as the maximum loaded weight of a single vehicle, including all weight at the trailer axles and tongue or pin.
Most recreational trailers actually weigh less than 4,600 kilograms and may be driven with a Class 5 or 7 licence, even though the GVWR is greater than 4,600 kilograms.
All of which means that the endorsement is required only if the trailer or towed vehicle exceeds 4,600 kilograms on-road weight and does not require air brakes.
An additional endorsement is required if the vehicle is equipped with air brakes.
The best way to determine the on-road weight of your trailer and contents is to take it to a commercial scale and have it weighed.
In addition to including this information on insurance and license renewal notices, we have more information available on icbc.com – click on ‘Driver Licensing,’ ‘Getting Licensed,’ and ‘Towing an RV’.
As always, the best step is always to contact us directly with your questions – either via your local ICBC Driver Licensing Centre or by calling 1-800-663-3051 from anywhere in B.C.
Ted Ockenden,
Manager Regional Licensing
Southern Interior, ICBC

OSOYOOS TIMES-December 2, 2009

AMBULANCE SERVICE PUTTING LIVES AT RISK

Editor:
BCAS can justify this however they want, but by their own admission, they have just told everyone in the Interior that they would rather put lives at risk just to save $50,000 a year.
Funny when you consider that in the past eight months alone, BCAS has paid out almost $10 million just to repeatedly take paramedics to the Labour Relations Board whenever they accuse us of doing something wrong.
This is just the latest example of BCAS placing penny pinching over patient care.
I truly hope no one becomes one of the nine in 47 calls that are true emergencies – because if it is, BCAS just practically sealed your fate.
Jason Angulo,
Vernon

OSOYOOS TIMES-December 2, 2009

NEW DIRECTIVE WORRIES READER

Editor:
Osoyoos is now a dangerous place to be.
In the previous issue of Osoyoos Times we learned that from November 19 of this year the BCAS changed the ambulance policy for Osoyoos.
From that date there is no full-time standby of an ambulance to react immediately to any emergency and from now on the actual paramedical service could appear up to 30 minutes late.
The British Columbia Ambulance Service changed the policy to save $50,000 and by it drastically changed the life protection for residents or visitors of Osoyoos.
I am appalled how they would put this small amount of money on lives of residents of Osoyoos.
Maybe the next time we will call 911 there would be an option for redial directly to a funeral service.
I am sure that such a situation does not exist in Vancouver or Victoria.
We are here second-rate citizens and in my opinion the change has an unconstitutional character and we should all ask for a judicial review.
BCAS now subjects us to “Russian roulette” with our lives.
I hope and trust the Town Council will react to this change of BCAS’s policy and our own MLA Hon. J. Slater will take action to protect lives of residents here.
I am looking forward to hear or see the public reaction.
Ivo Tyl,
Osoyoos

OSOYOOS TIMES-December 2, 2009