B.C. government scrapping highway info charge

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VICTORIA, B.C. — Travellers in Canada’s westernmost province will now be able to get the latest road conditions free over the phone through DriveBC.

The toll-free number is 1-800-550-HWYS (1-800-550-4997). Beginning on Nov. 1, the DriveBC phone line will be free of charge, from anywhere in North America. A fee of 75 cents was previously charged.

“As we head into the winter driving season, driving conditions can be very challenging,” said Transportation Minister Kevin Falcon. “We want to help travellers be safe. That’s why we are implementing a toll-free line to make it easier for the travelling public to check the latest road conditions, from wherever they are.”

One of the recent service expansions to DriveBC was a boost to the webcam system. In July 2006, the number of web cameras that offer live views of traffic conditions in B.C. was more than doubled. There are now approximately 70 webcams that can be accessed through the DriveBC Web site at www.drivebc.ca.

“By checking current highway conditions by phone or on the web, drivers can plan their trips, take proper precautions, and be safer as they travel,” said Falcon. “This toll-free line is part of DriveBC’s continually expanding services, to meet the needs of highway users across the province.”

DriveBC is the Ministry of Transportation’s traveller information system, designed to provide timely road condition and incident information, updated regularly as highway conditions change. The DriveBC website provides weather conditions, travel advisories, road closure information, load restrictions, webcams, and other important links.

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