POSTED MARCH 4, 2013
News Release
February 27, 2013
No Threat to RHD Antique Vehicles in Alberta
At a recent meeting of the Horseless Carriage Club of America (HCCA) in southern Alberta, it was rumored that the
Government of Alberta is going to “outlaw” right hand drive vehicles. This caused considerable concern as many vehicles,
registered and unregistered, owned by club members are right hand drive dating from the very early days of the
automobile.
Al Riise of the SVAA was notified of this concern by Les Schubert of the HCCA. Al promptly contacted Harry Parenteau,
Vehicle Safety Engineer of the Vehicle Safety and Carrier Services Branch, Alberta Transportation. Here is his response:
Hello Al:
Thank you for your email of February 26, 2013 concerning the registration of right-hand drive antique vehicles.
Please assure your members that Alberta Transportation is not looking to outlaw or ban right-hand drive antique
vehicles. It is not our intention to restrict or cause problems for the antique/collector car community. There is no need to
register your right-hand drive antique vehicle in the next couple of weeks.
Alberta Transportation's mandate is to ensure highway safety. We have been researching the use of right-hand drive
vehicles used as daily drivers. We have serious concerns with the safe operation of these vehicles on Alberta's
roadways. We are discussing changes to Alberta's legislation to restrict the registration of right-hand drive vehicles,
including mini-trucks, which are used as daily drivers. At this time there has been no final decision, nor can I predict
when any such changes may come into effect.
We look forward to your support and working with the SVAA and the antique/collector car community on this important
safety issue.
Contact me if you have questions.
Harry
To the great relief of those of us in the hobby, no ban of right hand drive antique vehicles is anticipated.
At the same time, there is a proposal reported on the Canadian Auto Dealer website to change the import restriction on
RHD vehicles from 15 years and older to 25 years and older. The original 15 year exemption was intended to allow for
the importation of collector vehicles but has resulted, in the opinion of Denis Ducharme, president of the Motor Dealers
Association of Alberta (MDAA) in the importation of far more daily drivers. The SVAA is following the lobbying of the
MDAA to ensure that legislation and regulation that is well-intended but damaging to the hobby is forestalled. Through
the relationship of the SVAA to the National Association of Automobile Clubs, legislation in other provinces is being
monitored.
If you have any questions or concerns, please address them with al@svaalberta.com
POSTED DECEMBER 28, 2012
Historic Vehicle Association update winter 2012
Celebrating Preservation - The FIVA Award
No vehicle is completely original. But,some cars do come captivatingly close. The FIVA/HVA Award is a preservation
award for historic vehicles that retain much, if not all, of their original mechanical components, body,interior, paint and
other finishes. These vehicles are recognized and celebrated by the HVA and FIVA as important cultural artifacts of our
industrial past.HVA judges attend many participating concours and shows throughout the Untied States and Canada and
evaluate unrestored or preserved cars based on condition and history of the vehicle.
Go to www.historicvehicle.org and click on events to find out where the next FIVA Award will be offered.
This update is a service from Specialty Vehicle Association of Alberta.
POSTED JUNE 21, 2012
The City of Calgary officially introduced the new Noise Snare measuring device on June 20, 2012 and has unmarked
vehicles located in certain areas of the city.
POSTED JUNE 5, 2012
Members of SVAA attended the two Noise Snare testing events conducted by the City of Calgary May 26, and May 30
2012, and a City News Release is outlined below on the results. The Noise Snare is expected to go into service about
mid-June after re-calibration of the device.
Calgary motorists put Noise Snare to the test
May 30, 2012
Two recent open house demonstrations of the Noise Snare attracted interest from many Calgarians with a total of 469
motorists participating in the events.
Animal and Bylaw Services would like to thank Calgarians for their interest and participation in the demonstrations. The
Noise Snare will make its next appearance in mid-June - not as early as this week as previously anticipated. The
equipment needs to be calibrated before deployment on city
streets.
"This servicing will ensure the greatest level of accuracy possible when we do get it on the streets, as well as allows
more time for owners of the more noisy vehicles to address mechanical or aesthetic issues that may be contributing to
their vehicle reading over the 96 decibel threshold," said Bill Bruce, Director of Animal & Bylaw Services.
The highest decibel reading measured at the two events was made by a motorcycle that hit 122 decibels on Saturday.
Exposure to that level of sound for more than one minute can cause permanent hearing loss. The loudest car registered
at 109 decibels, while the loudest truck was 117 decibels. A total of 219 vehicles, or 47 per cent of participating vehicles,
measured 96 decibels or more on their first pass by the Noise Snare during the two open houses. Several motorists
opted to try several passes, adjusting their speed and acceleration to affect the noise reading.
Wednesday’s event attracted even more Calgarians as 256 motorists turned out after 213 tested their vehicles on
Saturday.
The Noise Snare records video and audio of vehicles as they pass by. An on-board noise meter gives a reading of the
volume level of the sounds emanating from vehicles, and the owner of those that reach or exceed 96 decibels will be
contacted by a bylaw officer and subject to a $200 fine.
Areas of deployment in communities and residential neighborhoods will be based on the number of excessive vehicle
noise complaints received.
