The Municipality of West Grey is looking into the possibility of permitting ATVs on municipal roads and road allowances.
The municipality held an information session last night in Durham where over 150 people turned out.
The idea was for the municipality to get residents to express their opinions and concerns on the possibility of a by-law being put in place.
OPP Sargeant of Off Road Safety Michael Price was also in attendance and spoke to the residents on All Terrain Vehicles
Price says ATV’s have experienced a tremendous growth over the last few years.
Price says since 2000 there has been 72 deaths on ATVs on Ontario roadways and on average more than 15 people eash day are seen in Ontario emergency after suffering an injury while riding an ATV.
Long time Grey County resident Liz Barningham says the presentation was an eye opener and she has many concerns with ATVs especially for young people.
Barningham says for years now she has read in newspapers about very upsetting accidents or fatalities involving young people on ATV’s.
Barningham says another concern is how ATVs will effect the environment saying near her home she has seen alot of plants disappear since the arrival of the vehicles.
George Kuryani is an ATV user and believes they should be allowed on the roads as long as restrictions are in place.
Kuryani says a total ban of ATVs would be non productive and would kill the industry.
Kuryani says the municipality needs to come up with a by-law that is reasonable but also has restrictions in place like for any other motor vehicle.
