The changes, which are detailed in the Traffic Safety Amendment Act, 2022, are extensive and it will take time to make sure the public understands what they are, and the associated penalties.

The Ministry of Transportation and Economic Corridors will partner with industry partners to prepare a two- to three-month education campaign so motorists are not surprised on the launch date and won’t receive unexpected tickets for incorrectly passing roadside workers at higher speeds.

The public education campaign will help raise awareness and increase safety for roadside workers across the province before the changes are implemented for the 2023-24 fall/winter driving season.

Transportation and Economic Corridors has also extended the registrar’s exemption to permit the use of flashing blue lights to increase the visibility of tow trucks, support vehicles, government-contracted snowplows and highway maintenance vehicles for five years (to February 2028). The initial one-year blue light pilot project demonstrated the effectiveness of increasing visibility and safety for Alberta’s roadside workers.

More information on the rollout of the public information campaign will be provided in the coming weeks.