MPP Bill Mauro's motion to encourage insurance companies to offer discounts to drivers who use snow tires was passed at Queen's Park Thursday.
Mauro said his motion is aimed at saving lives but it's also about reducing health care costs from accidents and saving money for motorists
Members of Mauro's Liberal caucus spoke out in favour of the idea while Tory MPP Ted Arnott rejected it. He said some insurance companies already offer these discounts and he thinks Mauro's motion will lead to higher insurance rates for people in Southern Ontario who choose not to buy snow tires. Other critics of Mauro's idea have said rather than target insurance companies the government itself should offer rebates for people who buy winter tires.
The NDP members supported Mauro's proposal, but they questioned his motives.
The motion passed easily, with only the PC’s voting against it. Mauro points out that a Private Member's motion is not binding legislation but rather a statement from Queen's Park aimed at the insurance companies. He hopes it will encourage drivers to ask for winter tire discounts and shop around for insurance companies that will agree to them.
