Suzanne Oel – Division 4
Greetings! Sharing my News Update…
Foothills County Road Bans: Road bans are restrictions placed on roads which limit vehicle weights to protect the structural integrity of the County’s road system during certain seasonal conditions when roads are subject to damage from vehicles with heavy loads. Road bans are most often seasonal, but some roads could be restricted ongoing due to specific circumstances or conditions. As of March 12, 2026, spring weight restrictions for road use are in place. Road ban signs are installed along County roads – see example photo with this article. You will see an indication of a percentage, which tells you the weight restriction that applies to the specific road. The percentage of weight restriction varies by each road, which is determined by the state of the road.
Road Use Agreements and Enforcement: While most trucking companies know about road bans, some may not. Please advise service providers attending your property. Further, the County requires road use agreements for multiple loads and extra use of the roads during construction and during commercial hauls. Please be sure that the proper agreements are in place to compensate for any damages. Keeping the roads in good repair is of great importance to our residents, and is considerate of taxpayers’ contributions. Concerned neighbours can advise the County departments about destructive road use situations. Road bans and excessive road use situations are enforced by multiple policing agencies. If you have any questions about agreements, road bans, commercial vehicle overweight reporting, please contact our Public Works Department www.foothillscountyab.ca/contact/public-works-department . Phone: 403.603.2390. All road ban details, including dates, percentages, maps, and Roadata permits contact info, can be found on the Foothills website: www.foothillscountyab.ca/alerts/2026-road-bans
A Message from Foothills Enforcement: Traffic fines across Alberta increased on March 13, 2026. For offences such as speeding, the penalties increased by 30%, including: 30 km/h over the speed limit – up to $324; 40 km/h over – up to $560; 50 km/h over – up to $744 plus a mandatory court appearance where fines will be determined by the courts. Construction Zone speeding penalties increased to $540 from previously $499. Distracted driving: $325 fine. No Licence: $351 fine. No active Registration: $527 fine. High- risk driving offences, such as careless driving, excessive speed, stunting and racing increased by 50%.
Speed Limits: 80 km/hr is the speed limit on roadways in rural areas, unless otherwise posted by the rural municipality (Foothills County, in our case). Foothills County Hamlet speed limits are posted at lower amounts. 100 km/hr is the speed limit on provincial highways, unless otherwise posted by Alberta Transportation.
Want more Police Presence? According to Foothills County resident input, requests for more police presence is a top priority. At a number of recent events in Foothills County with police service providers and County reps, residents have expressed concerns. Policing agencies explain that residents’ calls for service get them out to your location. We are all reminded that we must contact them to get a response. While we have raised awareness at meetings, additional resident calls will get onto a record so that resources can be planned and the locations of concern can be attended. You can report concerns by phone or by email. As always, call 9-1-1 for emergencies as they are happening. After-the-fact, can share by calling in concerns through the 24/7 RCMP complaints line: 403.933.4262. Foothills Enforcement complaint line: 403.603.6300.
Foothills Enforcement email: enforcement@foothillscountyAB.ca
Electronic Speed Signs Reminder: Foothills Enforcement Services arranges for the Foothills County electronic- message speed signs to rotate through our communities, especially in areas where we receive the most complaints. In summer, of course, we’re all outdoors hoping to enjoy our surroundings and there’s lots of competition for use of our roads. Just a friendly reminder, to us all, to follow the speed limit and drive safely. Let us know of areas that could benefit by displaying our electronic speed sign.
For Other News & Updates:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CouncillorSuzanneOel/
Email: Suzanne.Oel@FoothillsCountyAB.ca
Please visit High Country News online for my previous articles.
With Best Regards,
Suzanne
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