Snow removal rush creates danger: Montreal contractor
Long hours, double shifts for drivers after major snowfalls
The deaths of three pedestrians run over by snow removal trucks on Tuesday prove the need to change the way snow is cleared from the streets of Montreal, says the owner of a private hauling company.
"Those accidents will happen again as long as the system is this way," said François Pilon, who owns Déneigement Côte-des-Neiges.
Pilon has worked in the snow hauling business for 20 years and said many drivers pull long hours, even doing double shifts for multiple companies in order to take advantage of the short-term, lucrative pay that only comes a few times each winter after a major snowfall.
His company was not involved in either accident that killed three seniors within five hours on Tuesday. They were all struck by private snow removal trucks under contract to the city.
'[The contractor] gets fines that could easily be between $5,000 to $10,000. Everybody is pushed to perform this job as fast as he can.' —François Pilon, owner of snow removal company
In the first accident, a truck turning right at an intersection struck a couple in their 70s crossing the south end of Lafontaine Park. They were caught under the truck's wheels. The pedestrians had the right of way.
Later in the day, a 76-year-old woman was caught up in the rear wheel of a semi-trailer that was carrying snow in the Ahuntsic-Cartierville district.
She died on the scene.
Drivers pick up extra shifts
Shifts are 12 hours long for private truck operators hired to clear city streets. However, Pilon said many drivers will work 14 to 16 hours if the job isn't finished by the time their shift ends.
Not completing a job can result in major fines from the city, said Pilon.
"If he is too late in doing the jobs, [the contractor] gets fines that could easily be between $5,000 to $10,000. Everybody is pushed to perform this job as fast as he can."
He said many drivers will also pick up a day shift with one company after their night shift with another company is over.
"You have to understand that during those four or five days that snow is picked up, that's about the only time of the month those guys work during the winter," said Pilon.
Also contributing to the rush factor, he said, is a shortage of vehicles due to the unpredictable nature of snow removal in winter.
Pilon encouraged the city to relax its deadlines.
City already taking action
Luis Miranda, the city executive committee member in charge of snow removal, said he is already considering reducing the number of kilometres of snowy roads contractors have to clear in a set period of time.
'The way I see it now, we have to look at everything from A to Z and start all over if necessary.' —Luis Miranda, city councillor in charge of snow removal
He has also sent notices to all boroughs to remind their subcontractors to respect the traffic laws and regulations regarding work hours. Drivers can work a maximum of 70 hours in a week.
If necessary, Miranda said boroughs will check the log books of individual drivers.
"Are we going to have to start checking each driver? If that is the case, we will do that," said Miranda.
Miranda, who took over the responsibility for snow removal last month, said the city is taking the issue very seriously.
"When I got the mandate, I was supposed to improve the services. The way I see it now, we have to look at everything from A to Z and start all over if necessary," he said.