A convoy of truckers moved from Surrey to Vancouver yesterday (Saturday) to protest dangerous conditions on British Columbia highways.

The rally was organized by the West Coast Trucking Association, who wanted to highlight the icy roads they faced this winter.

They added that de-icing was done too infrequently and that de-icing equipment was used inefficiently.

The Department of Transportation and Infrastructure provided information on its road clearing contracts, as well as the audit process.

“There are 28 maintenance contracts worth approximately $430 million. The process to bid and win a contract has two parts, the Request for Qualifications (RFQ) phase and the Request for Proposals (RFP) phase,” the ministry said in a statement.

Prospective contractors submit their information on previous work experience, understanding of road maintenance work, business financial history and other factors during the RFQ process.

If they meet these standards, they then move on to the RFP process, which includes bid security and insurance documents, a service proposal outlining how maintenance services will be provided, and a price.

“All responses to the RFP are evaluated and a preferred proponent is identified. Once the successful bidder’s quality management system is approved, a multi-year contract is finalized.

The ministry also said it had taken steps to be stricter.

“To ensure the reliability of our highways, the ministry has imposed stricter standards on our maintenance contractors in recent years, including requirements to be more proactive in weather preparation and more responsive in snow removal.

They added that there are more than 100 employees who perform audits and monitor the results of maintenance activities.

With Vista Radio staff files