Canada wants to mandate the use of inward-facing video cameras in the cabs of locomotives, according to a bill filed in Parliament.
The Transportation Modernization Act filed May 15 by Transport Minister Marc Garneau if passed would amend Canada’s omnibus Railway Safety Act to require the installation of Locomotive Voice and Video Recorders (LVVR) technology.
Railroads say the video equipment will improve rail safety, but labor groups oppose it over workplace and privacy concerns.
"Minister Garneau has shown tremendous political leadership with today's announcement on inward-facing cameras, and I thank him for his commitment to safety," said CP's President and Chief Executive Keith Creel, in a statement. "Having the ability to use this technology in a proactive manner will allow us to prevent incidents and improve rail safety – further protecting the public, our employees and the goods we transport for our customers."
The new rules “mandate the installation of LVVR in locomotive cabs to further enhance the safety of the rail transportation system in Canada," including allowing for federally-regulated companies "to conduct analysis via random sampling in order to identify safety concerns as part of ongoing safety management; to determine the cause of a reportable accident/incident not being investigated by the Transportation Safety Board; and to address a prescribed safety threat."
Creel, who has led efforts to adopt LVVR, said, "By implementing LVVR as a preventative, proactive, behavior-changing tool we will promote safe behaviors and improve safety. We recognize the need to use this technology in a way that is respectful of our employees, and are committed to working closely with government, regulators and the unions to do so."
Earlier this year, CP launched an awareness campaign, www.cprailsafe.ca, which highlights the safety benefits of inward-facing cameras. The railroad said it uses LVVR technology in 50 of its locomotives operating in the United States.