advertisement

---

Yesterday, Transport Canada officials announced they're working with rail industry representatives to develop a rule requiring reflective material on all Canadian locomotives and freight cars.

"Trains can be difficult for motorists to see at nighttime," said Transport Minister Tony Valeri in a prepared statement. "Reflective material on locomotives and freight cars will help reduce accidents and fatalities at crossings by significantly improving nighttime visibility."

Current regulations only require reflective materials on both sides of cars owned or leased by Canadian National Railway Co. and Canadian Pacific Railway. The proposed rule would apply to all existing and new locomotives and cars owned or leased by all railways regulated under the Railway Safety Act. The rule also would standardize reflective material applications, inspections and maintenance.

"Putting reflective material on trains will add to safety improvements and initiatives already in place at railway crossings across Canada," said Valeri.

Transport Canada plans to establish a rule by year's end.