FILE PHOTO - When it snows, David Almaas spends three-to-four hours clearing sidewalks and walking trails around Enderby, along with a group of roughly four other like-minded locals. There may be more now that the City of Enderby has worked out a deal with ICBC and the RCMP to issue special permits for the volunteer snow plowers.

(CHARLOTTE HELSTON / iNFOnews.ca)

ENDERBY - Volunteer snow plowers in Enderby are warming up their engines as they prepare for another season of icy clean-up, and this time they're hitting the ground running thanks to permits.

The City of Enderby is once again issuing special permits for any good Samaritans who want to clear neglected roadways and streets. This permit allows volunteer plowers to use their off-road vehicles on certain highways and roads in Enderby, something that is typically against the law.

These permits came into effect last year when a group of volunteers started plowing snowy areas in Enderby. They used off-road vehicles equipped with snowplows to get the job done.

Unfortunately, they weren't allowed to travel along roads in their rigs to reach different parts of town without risking fines. The drivers considered stopping their work to avoid the hassle.

The City of Enderby reached a compromise with RCMP and ICBC. Volunteer snow plowers received restricted license plates and permits which allowed them to travel along roads for the sole purpose of winter clean-up.

Enderby chief administrative officer Tate Bengtson said the permit program was a success last year, which is why it's returning now. Several plowers have already renewed their permits in anticipation of the winter season. Bengtson said the City will offer permits to match demand.

"If folks want to help, we won't put a cap on permits," Bengtson said.

The permit comes with a list of regulations and rules laid out in its application form.

Operators need to carry the permit with them whenever they're working and they can only travel along Enderby roads for the express purpose of clearing snow. The permit does not apply George Street (Highway 97A). Plowers cannot damage city infrastructure, interfere with other highway maintenance crews, or disobey traffic rules. Violation of these rules and others may result in a revocation of the permit.

The permits expire in July 2019. Interested parties can apply for permits free of charge from the City of Enderby.

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