Transport Canada proposes regs for locomotive video, voice recorders

Canada's Transport Minister Marc Garneau last week unveiled voice and video recorder regulations that specify technical requirements for rail companies to install such devices on locomotives.

Published in the Canada Gazette, the proposed regulations "reflect a careful balance between measures to increase safety benefits, while safeguarding the privacy rights of railway employees," according to a Transport Canada press release.

"Understanding how a railway crew communicated and acted immediately before a railway accident is crucial for investigators," Garneau said.

In developing the proposal, Transport Canada sought opinions from rail companies, unions, the Transportation Safety Board of Canada, Canada's Labor Program and the Officer of the Privacy Commissioner.

The regulations align with the Canadian government's commitment to improving rail safety and address Transportation Safety Board of Canada's recommendations, agency officials said.

Feedback received during a 60-day public comment period will be considered in development of the final regulations.