The hours of operation for ATV vehicles on certain municipal roadways have been expanded, following a bylaw update by Chatham-Kent council.
At its Jan. 15 meeting, council voted to extend the hours of operation for certain all-terrrain vehicles from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., following a motion from North Kent Coun. Jamie McGrail.
Previously ATVs were only allowed to operate in the time frame from a half an hour after sunrise to 30 minutes before sunset.
East Kent Coun. Steve Pinsonneault said updating the bylaw was a good idea, as the hours of daylight constantly change.
However, it was noted in a report prepared by administration that Chatham-Kent police do not support extending the hours due to safety concerns.
Chatham Coun. Marjorie Crew, the only nay vote, urged council to vote against the motion. Crew said she had spoken with police and they are worried about ATVs operating on roads in the dark.
ATVs are not allowed to operate in Chatham and on specific major paved rural roads in the municipality.
