May 10, 2011
Proposed Changes to Traffic Collision Reporting Would Free up Officers to Better Focus Resources: Swan
Under proposed amendments to the Highway Traffic Act (HTA), motorists would no longer be required to report collisions involving property damage to police, except under certain circumstances, Attorney General Andrew Swan, minister responsible for Manitoba Public Insurance (MPI), announced today.
“These amendments respond to a request from the Manitoba Association of Chiefs of Police (MACP) to streamline the accident reporting process so they can better use their resources,” said Swan. “Law enforcement officers told us their resources could be directed to other areas in order to best serve the public.”
Under the proposed changes, Manitoba drivers would only be required to report to police if the collision involves:
- a fatality;
- serious injury;
- unlicensed drivers or vehicles;
- unidentified vehicles (for example, hit and run, failure to exchange particulars); or
- the suspected use of drugs or alcohol
Currently, the HTA requires that a traffic accident must be reported to police if it results in bodily injury, death or combined property damage exceeding $1,000. In most minor property-damage-only collisions, it is unnecessary for police to attend the accident scene which means drivers have to visit a police station to make the report.
Under the proposed amendments, motorists would only have to make police reports for serious collisions or collisions where HTA or Criminal Code violations are suspected. Police would still attend collision scenes when required.
To assist its customers to comply with the proposed new police reporting requirements, MPI staff would inform customers if they will be required to file a police report during the claims reporting process.
“Manitoba law enforcement agencies fully support this legislation change,” Brandon Police Service Chief Keith Atkinson, president of MACP, said today. “Using police resources to take reports from drivers involved in minor fender-benders after the fact is not an effective use of resources, and police agencies throughout Manitoba will now be able to dedicate their resources to other matters which require their attention.”
“This is yet another example of the strong, proactive partnerships between law enforcement and the Government of Manitoba, which work co-operatively towards a common goal,” said Winnipeg Police Service Chief McCaskill. “The demand on front-line police officers continues to increase. This change allows resources to be better used in other areas.”
Manitoba has provided funding for an extra 255 police officers since 1999. By directing a three-year commitment of federal funds, 30 more officers are also being added. This combined provincial and federal funding has added a total of 285 police officers to services across Manitoba, 66 of which are new this year.
- 30 -