In the absence of professional movers, some inconsiderate renters transport their belongings in unsafe ways.
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The Sûreté du Québec therefore used July 1 to remind citizens that certain rules must be observed when moving their furniture.
Transporting goods requires tight belts, a clear view and immobile objects.
“Offenders are subject to fines of up to $700 under Section 471 of the Highway Code for cargo that is not securely secured or improperly covered so that the cargo can move or become detached from the vehicle,” said SQ spokesman Béatrice Dorsainville.
A Quebec City mover told TVA Nouvelles about some “cartoonish” incidents he’d witnessed in the past.
“The mountain, the straps, the couch on top. Crazy things. It’s really… Sometimes it happened on the Quebec Bridge a few years ago, someone loaded like that and the “belts” broke. On July 1, the Quebec Bridge was blocked and there was furniture everywhere,” says Maxime Soucy.
Avoiding these incidents requires organization and preparation, especially when it comes to the issue of labor shortages.
“To be careful, you have to evaluate the hits a little bit. When we are alone to do a move, we better ask someone, call a mover and it’s like, yes, sometimes it’s a bit expensive, but at least you’re not hurt, you get back to work the next day.” says Mr. Soucy.
“At the working level, there is really a serious problem in Quebec. It is really felt in all moving companies. In Montreal it’s a little less obvious, but in Quebec it’s a lot more dramatic,” he adds.
To see the full report, watch the video above.