ST. JOHN’S, Nfld. – Newfoundland’s Department of Works, Services and Transportation is using digital cameras and the Internet to provide motorists with the most up-to-date road and driving conditions.

A camera installed at the Foxtrap weigh scales provides images on the department’s Web site.

The department plans to install cameras at four other weigh scale sites along the Trans-Canada Highway over the next few months. These sites include Goobies, Grand Falls-Windsor, Pynn’s Brook and Port aux Basques.

Works, Services and Transportation Minister Rick Woodford hopes the site will encourage drivers to take a proactive approach to safe winter driving.

“People should be aware of what roads are like before they even get into their vehicles,” said Woodford. “Hopefully, they will get into the habit of checking these photos so they can get current conditions and be better prepared for the drive.”

The image is available for viewing via the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador Web site at http://www.gov.nf.ca/, by clicking on Winter Driving Conditions.

The photographs will be updated at five-to-10 minute intervals, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

The time and date will be imprinted on the top portion of the photograph to show when the image was last updated. The lighting for nighttime images will be available next season. n