New Highway Cameras to Assist Motoring Public

TRANSPORTATION/PUBLIC WORKS--New Highway Cameras to Assist Motoring Public

If a picture is worth a thousand words, new Transportation and Public Works highway images would fill a new book every day.

Highway cameras around the province are providing updated images of road conditions in Nova Scotia. They are now available on-line at www.gov.ns.ca/tran .

"These cameras are going to help Nova Scotians as they travel across the province," said Michael Baker, Minister of Transportation and Public Works. "We're using modern technology to benefit Nova Scotians, and help the motoring public make informed decisions about driving."

With the click of a mouse, travellers can see road conditions from Sydney to Bridgewater and from Amherst to Mt. Uniacke.

The static images are provided by cameras connected to weather information towers. The towers are located near 100-series highway exits around the province. In total, there are 13 cameras available to the public. More are expected to become operational later.

Funding for most of the weather towers is cost-shared by the federal and provincial government, so images are generally only available on roads connected to the national highway system.

On-line images from highway cameras are becoming increasingly common across North America as a way for motorists to check on traffic conditions and flow.

Mr. Baker, however, urged drivers to continue to check traditional road and weather reports before venturing onto the highway.

"Ultimately, the cameras are just another tool to help motorists get to their destination," said the minister. "It is important that people continue to monitor traditional road and weather reports, and follow safe driving practices in the winter. Remember, drive to arrive."

The department's road report is available by telephone at 1-800- 307-SNOW (7669) and on the Internet at www.gov.ns.ca/tran .

Safety tips for winter driving include the following:

• if possible, avoid driving during a storm;
• watch out for ice and black ice;
• bridge decks freeze before surrounding roadways;
• leave early for your destination;
• follow at a safe distance and allow for longer breaking distances;
• pass only when safe; and
• prepare your vehicle for winter: check tires, windshield wipers, windshield washer, antifreeze, heater/defroster, scraper, shovel, blanket, first-aid kit, candle and matches.