Islanders asked to help shape safer roads on P.E.I. for the next decade

The provincial government is looking to launch a new 10-year strategy on road safety, but it's asking Islanders to weigh in first.

The province is developing a plan called Pathways to Highway Safety, aimed at reducing traffic collisions, improving infrastructure and making roads safer for Islanders.

An online survey is now open to gather feedback on topics like road use, safety concerns and driving behaviours. Responses will help shape the strategy, which is expected to be released in 2026.

All Islanders, including residents, commuters and other road users, are invited to take part in the survey, which is available in both English and French until July 4.

Parts of the plan will focus on addressing dangerous drivers and making highways safer.

Transportation and Infrastructure Minister Ernie Hudson said the 10-year strategy could potentially lead to changes in provincial legislation and regulations.

"Certainly an aspect that I would anticipate is changes in legislation and… subsequent to that, changes in the regulations associated with the legislative changes," Hudson told reporters Wednesday.

"But are there other things that we can do with regard to just for example, highway markings, things along that line.  And I know that there have been initiatives taken by the department such as the reflective strips that you see in different areas of the province, that are of a major help."

He added the report will also look at what other jurisdictions are doing, not just legislatively but in other areas as well, such as highway markings.

P.E.I. passed legislation four years ago to allow for the use of photo radar to deter speeders, but it's never been brought into effect. There is currently a push to implement automatic roadside suspensions for impaired drivers.

Hudson couldn't say if or when either of those measures could be implemented.