The Manitoba government plans to impose stiffer penalties on motorists who ignore warning signs and drive on closed roads.
Transportation Minister Doyle Piwniuk says the province is responding to a call from the RCMP, who have had to deal with motorists who drive around barricades and get caught in flooded roadways.
A bill before the legislature would impose fines of up to $2,000 or one year in jail for operators of most private vehicles.
For buses and some larger vehicles, the maximum penalty would be $5,000 or one year in jail.
Earlier this year, a man had to be rescued by firefighters after he drove on a flooded road south of Winnipeg and was given a $237 ticket.
Piwniuk says the Progressive Conservative government is sending a message that drivers who ignore closed-road signs put people at risk.
(The Canadian Press)
