TORONTO, Ont. — More lanes of the 400-series highways will be off-limits to trucks as the province moves forward with a high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) lane expansion project.

Only vehicles with more than one occupant and buses are permitted to use HOV lanes.

“In the next 25 years we expect to see an increase of nearly two million vehicles on our roads,” Transport Minister Donna Cansfield announced this morning. “Our exciting and forward-thinking HOV network plan will help address this growth and move people and goods more efficiently now and for generations to come.”

Some of the highways affected include: Northbound Hwy. 404, north of Sheppard Ave. to Hwy. 7; the QEW between Burlington and Oakville; Hwy. 400 from Major Mackenzie Rd. north to King Side Road; and Hwy. 427 north of Hwy. 409.

Existing and planned HOV lanes on Hwys. 400, 403, 404 and the QEW will also be expanded.

“HOV lanes on Highways 403 and 404 are getting people moving and saving people time,” said Monte Kwinter, MPP for York Centre. “Adding HOV lanes to our highways will mean more commuters will enjoy a more reliable commute.”

“HOV lanes are a part of the McGuinty government’s plan to keep people and goods moving,” added Cansfield. “By investing in reliable and sustainable infrastructure that makes better use of Ontario highways, we are building stronger, healthier communities.”

To view the provinces HOV expansion plans, visit www.ontario.ca/hov.