Close X
Tuesday, November 26, 2024
ADVT 
National

Enforceable Variable Speed Limit Signs ‘Go Live’ In B.C.

Darpan News Desk , 07 Jun, 2016 12:59 PM
    Variable speed signs are now active in three locations throughout the province as part of a pilot project to help reduce the frequency and severity of weather-related crashes, announced Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure Todd Stone.
     
    “Starting today, variable speed limit signs will be activated in three locations - the Coquihalla, Sea to Sky and the Trans-Canada Highway near Revelstoke,” said Stone.
     
    “It is important drivers understand that along these corridors, these signs aren’t ‘speed readers’, they are the law. These electronic signs will adjust the speed limit according to conditions and will require drivers to slow down and reduce their speed in bad weather.”
     
    This safety initiative targets critical sections of Highways 1, 5 and 99. Crews have now installed 18 variable speed signs along Highway 1 from Perry River to Revelstoke, 13 variable speed signs along the Coquihalla from Portia Interchange to the former Toll Plaza and 16 variable speed signs along the Sea to Sky from Squamish to Function Junction.
     
    The variable speed limit program is also supported by recent changes in the B.C. Motor Vehicle Act regulations that allow police to enforce these posted speeds. Drivers are encouraged to be aware when they enter a variable speed limit zone that posted limits are the maximum speeds allowed.
     
     
    The digital signs will be very visible to drivers, and the speed limit will be adjusted to reflect driving conditions. Overhead message signs at the entrance of each corridor will inform drivers to be aware of changing weather conditions. Flashing amber lights will alert drivers to adjusted speeds that are not the posted limits along these corridors.
     
    “Many highways in B.C. pass through different climate zones, and the Sea to Sky Highway is no exception,” said West Vancouver-Sea to Sky MLA Jordan Sturdy.
     
    “Motorists that drive Highway 99 are familiar with rapidly changing weather conditions, where it is not uncommon to experience sunny and dry conditions, as well as rain, sleet or a full-blown snowstorm somewhere along the way. These signs alert drivers to the need to adjust their speed to current conditions.”
     
    “Speeding is the leading cause of fatal car crashes in our province,” said chief constable Neil Dubord, chair of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “Seven out of ten speed-related crashes are related to driving too fast for the road conditions. Police across B.C. are urging drivers to be alert, slow down and adjust their driving for the conditions.”
     
     
    Whether it is extreme cold, freezing rain or heavy snowfall, an extensive system of traffic, pavement and visibility sensors are calibrated to detect the conditions and provide a recommended speed to operations staff located in the Regional Traffic Management Centre in Coquitlam. The recommended speed will be used to update the speed shown on digital signs, to help drivers know a safe driving speed during adverse weather conditions.
     
    The ministry has invested $12.5 million to install and run the pilot systems that were largely made and manufactured in B.C. This pilot program is part of the ministry's $25-million per-year Road Safety Improvement Program, as announced in B.C. on the Move.

    MORE National ARTICLES

    Ralph Goodale Hints At Changes To Rcmp Labour Bill Amid Rank-And-File Concerns

    Ralph Goodale Hints At Changes To Rcmp Labour Bill Amid Rank-And-File Concerns
    OTTAWA — The Liberal government is signalling it is open to giving rank-and-file RCMP members a stronger hand in their dealings with top brass.

    Ralph Goodale Hints At Changes To Rcmp Labour Bill Amid Rank-And-File Concerns

    Crown Seeks Peace Bond Against Medical Student Who Allegedly Spoke Of Death Plot

    HALIFAX — Three of four charges have been dropped in the case of a Dalhousie University medical student who allegedly told his psychiatrist he had thoughts of shooting up to 20 people before killing himself.

    Crown Seeks Peace Bond Against Medical Student Who Allegedly Spoke Of Death Plot

    Are You Helping Thieves? VPD Asks

    Are You Helping Thieves? VPD Asks
    The Vancouver Police Department wants to remind homeowners to be vigilant about their home security as the weather gets nicer.

    Are You Helping Thieves? VPD Asks

    Vancouver Police Alert Taxpayers About Ongoing 'CRA Scam'

    Vancouver Police Alert Taxpayers About Ongoing 'CRA Scam'
    Scammers are calling people, telling them they owe money to the CRA, and that they will be arrested if they don’t pay. In some cases, the suspects know the victim’s name and home address.

    Vancouver Police Alert Taxpayers About Ongoing 'CRA Scam'

    Amritsar On Alert Ahead Of Operation Bluestar Anniversary

    Amritsar On Alert Ahead Of Operation Bluestar Anniversary
    Punjab Chief Minister Parkash Singh Badal and SGPC president Avtar Singh Makkar appealed to all sections to exercise restraint and observe the anniversary peacefully.

    Amritsar On Alert Ahead Of Operation Bluestar Anniversary

    WATCH: Sunny Ways And Funny Way At Press Gallery Dinner

    WATCH: Sunny Ways And Funny Way At Press Gallery Dinner
    GATINEAU, Que. — Federal party leaders put down their swords to celebrate those who wield the pens and microphones Saturday night.

    WATCH: Sunny Ways And Funny Way At Press Gallery Dinner