Standards for clearing snow and ice from highways are slipping, creating dangerous conditions for drivers, opposition MPPs told Transportation Minister Glen Murray Tuesday.

New Democrat and Tory MPPs said plowing standards are either not being met or the government must improve them.

Even Liberal MPP Steven Del Duca, who represents the riding of Vaughan, said his constituents have expressed concern about snow removal.

“I know that our government makes every effort to keep our roads safe. However, there are concerns in my riding of Vaughan that in recent years, standards for snow removal have declined,” Del Duca complained.

Murray said climate change has helped create chaotic weather conditions that make snow removal trickier.

A winter of little precipitation might be followed by a winter of large snow falls and then melts, he added.

“So the challenges are certainly greater than they were before,” Murray insisted.