Who Ya Gonna Call? Your BC Transportation FAQs

FAQs
Planning parades, towing boats and RVs, licensing limos or developing rural subdivisions? We hear all kinds of questions about all kinds of topics…

It’s natural that many of these questions come to our offices across the province, given we’re the British Columbia Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure. We can give you a full answer to a lot of questions, but in some cases, we are not the organization responsible for the area you want to know about, or the action you want to take. Federal and municipal governments also have a role to play in transportation, as well as other provincial agencies. (And you might discover a surprise or two about areas we do deal with.)

Here are the some of the most popular questions that we receive from you. Click on these headings or scroll through, to find the information source you need:

Commercial Transportation Operators (That’s Us)

How do I go about moving an oversize and/or overweight load on provincial highways? Provincial Permit Centre

What are the seasonal load restrictions for the route I want to haul a heavy load on? Seasonal Load Restrictions website

I’m looking at starting up a business to provide passenger transportation services – something like a taxi, community shuttle or tour bus company. Passenger Transportation Branch

Emergency!

Yikes…I see a fire/chemical spill/downed power line/vehicle crash! BC Wildfire Management 1-800-663-5555/Emergency Management BC 1-800-663-3456/ BC Hydro 1-888-769-3766/911

Land Use – Highway Permits and Rural Subdivisions (That’s Us)

How do I get started on developing a rural subdivision? Rural Subdivision Approvals

What is the process for my development approval application? Permits or Rural Subdivision Approval

I am interested in purchasing or leasing property that the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure may own. Who should I speak with? District Office

I would like to film a movie, organize a parade or hold a fundraising run on a provincial highway or road. Filming and Special Events

I think I’m responsible for having and maintaining a culvert alongside the highway by my property. Is this correct and what do I need to do? Culvert Maintenance Responsibilities on BC Highways or District Office.

Motor Vehicles and Vessels — Registration/Insurance/Regulations (That’s ICBC or Federal Agencies)

My vehicle is damaged due to debris on the highway and I want to make a claim. ICBC: Lower Mainland 604-520-8222; Rest of BC, Canada and the U.S. 1-800-910-4222 or Submit Your Claim Online.

I’ve been in a crash and need to report the incident and damage to my vehicle. ICBC: What to Do After a Crash (video); Lower Mainland 604-520-8222; Rest of BC, Canada and the U.S. 1-800-910-4222; or Submit Your Claim Online.

Import a Vehicle
Planning on importing a vehicle into B.C.?

I’d like to import a car from another province or country. What’s involved with this and who do I contact? ICBC has instructions, including links to federal and provincial agencies. (None of which are us).

How do I renew, replace or cancel my driver’s licence? ICBC

I just bought a snowmobile/all-terrain vehicle/dirt bike. How do I register it and what else do I need to know? Ministry of Forests, Lands and Natural Resource Operations

How do I register my new boat? Transport Canada – Canadian Register of Vessels

I plan to tow my recreational vehicle in BC. What are the regulations? Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement.  See our blog: 7 Things You Need to Know Right Now About Towing a Recreational Trailer in BC. If you don’t find the answers you need there, phone: (250) 952-0577.

What’s the schedule for the ferry across the Kootenay Lake (or another ferry in the B.C. Interior)? See our website for Inland Ferries.

How much does the Port Hardy to Prince Rupert ferry (or another coastal ferry) cost, and when does the ship sail? BC Ferries Fare Index and BC Ferries Schedule for all marine ferries.Towing an RV

Provincial Routes (Us Again)

I’m concerned with the conditions of rest area X or highway Y, and I am not sure who the highway maintenance contractor is. Highways Maintenance Contacts and Highway Maintenance Boundary Maps; or DriveBC Report a Highway Problem

There’s a problem with a streetlight, malfunctioning signals, or damaged or vandalized electrical equipment along a provincial highway. Electrical Maintenance Contacts

I am opening a winery/waterslide/bed and breakfast (or insert your type of business) and would like to have sign posted along the highway to advertise my business. District Office

I see highway construction starting up in this area. What’s happening? ProjectsBC, Major Highway Infrastructure Projects or District Office.

Why are there traffic delays or a closure on the route I want to travel, and when will it end? – DriveBC or District Office.

The highway I want to drive has been closed due to avalanche work. When is it expected to re-open? DriveBC or District Office.

What kind of tires and/or chains do I need for driving provincial highways in winter? Winter Tires and Chains

NOTE:  There are sections of highway in BC, where the jurisdiction/ownership is federal (Government of Canada). These include highways within National Parks, and the Alaska Highway (Highway 97) from Kilometre 133 to Kilometre 968. To find out who to contact for those areas, see: Federal Sections of Provincial Highways.

DriveBC Report a Problem

Roads in Regional Districts and Municipalities (Might be us, might not)

The road near my home (in a municipality, regional district, First Nations community or improvement district) has a pothole/needs grading/hasn’t been cleared of snow. Who do I contact?

If you pay your taxes to a Regional District, the area is within the jurisdiction of Ministry of Transportation. Highways Maintenance Contacts and Highway Maintenance Boundary Maps; or DriveBC Report a Highway Problem (Mobile). If you pay your taxes to your city/town/village or First Nation then your road is within their jurisdiction and can reach them via CivicInfo Directory or Municipalities, Regional Districts, First Nations or Improvement Districts.

 

We hope we have set you on a route to receiving the answers you are seeking. Let us know about any other questions you might have, or if there is a topic you would like us to cover more in-depth.

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Page 1 of 98 comments on “Who Ya Gonna Call? Your BC Transportation FAQs”

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  1. here is more information
    I am asking that the advance left turn signals at Leckie and Cooper Rd remain active after 3 pm. that will spread the left turn volume over 4 intersections rather than 2 Because Cooper advance left is turned off at 3 pm,traffic volume on Spall goes up beyond its capacity which affects thru traffic on hwy 97 (Harvey)
    Bryce A Goossen
    Kelowna British Columbia Canada.

  2. There is a issue with the advance left turn signals in Kelowna BC Canada. I have sent an email asking that advance left at two intersections remain on after 3 pm. it caused a street to go beyond its capacity as advance left is shutoff at 3.

    • Hello Bryce,

      Thanks for reaching out and for following up with more details.

      We have sent your comments to the Electrical Maintenance Contractor for the Kelowna area so they can look into this light.

  3. 10 miles west of open the TransCanada highway. There is construction on the south side of the road which is resulting in merger of two lanes. This creates enormous amounts of congestion and long lines of stop cars. However, There are no flaggers to warn of stopped traffic. Result was that we came to a screeching halt inches away from a major collision from a stopped car. Do something about this problem before someone gets killed.

    • Hello there.

      Thank you for sharing your concerns with us. Can you give us some more specifics of the area you were travelling in? We want to pass this on to our staff in the appropriate area so they can review the signage leading up to the construction site.

  4. Is an Ontario handicap permit valid in British Columbia.

    I will be in Vancouver & Victoria for two weeks and I would like to know if the Ontario handicap permit is valid for me to put in a rental car. Please respond ASAP

    • Hi Mendy, thanks for your question. We encourage you to reach out to the rental car company with this question as they are likely to have more up to date information and experience on this topic.

      We did find this blogpost from DriveSmartBC with helpful links and information on parking permits for people with disabilities in BC.

      Thanks again for your question and we hope this resource is helpful.

  5. How do I contact to about trees along Wembley Road, (French Creek, RDN) that obscures visibility of cars heading north, coming downhill on a section that is also school zone? Many parents park on Sanika Close to drop off or pick up their children from Oceanside Elementary School and anyone exiting this street and wanting to turn left up Wembley must go beyond the stop sign to check for traffic. This also poses a danger for anyone turning left onto Sanika Close. The evergreens border the last home, 998 Sanika Close and need to trimmed to reduce this hazard.

    • Hi Brenda – thank you for reaching out to alert us of this hazard. We have shared your comment with our staff in the region, and will get back to you if they offer us further comment on the situation on Wembley Road. Please stay tuned.

  6. Another day, another bridge hit by an overheight load.
    How is it any restaurant or parkade can put up an overheight bar to prevent structural damage but they can’t put one 100 metres ahead of every bridge and overpass?
    Guaranteed that metal bars costs millions of dollars less than replacing a broken bridge and the value of lost transportation hours due to closures or roads and damaged bridges.
    It is common, practical and economic sense.

    • Hi there, Will. Thanks for your message. The ministry is looking at all options to ensure this small portion of industry is following all rules and regulations.

  7. I am planning a trip to Vancouver in Late Sept./ Oct. and would like to know if car rental companies are required to provide vehicles with M+S or winter tires after Oct. 1?
    If not who is responsible to pay the fine if ticketed?

    Thank you

    • Hi George – thanks for connecting with us here. Most rental vehicles will be equipped with M+S tires, which meet the minimum winter tire requirement.

      If you are renting a vehicle and travelling outside the Greater Vancouver or Greater Victoria areas, it’s a good idea to ensure your vehicle rental is equipped with winter tires. While M+S tires are legally acceptable, tires with the 3-peaked mountain/snowflake symbol provide the best traction in winter conditions. Discuss options with your vehicle rental provider.

  8. I work for a municipal government and we are interested in inquiring about adding a service and attraction sign (blue and white) for our waterpark attraction in Aldergrove. Can you tell me how we go about doing this?

    • Hello, Bev – thanks for connecting with us here. We encourage you to reach out to our staff in the Chilliwack area office to discuss your request in more detail. Here is their contact info:
      Chilliwack Area
      45890 Victoria Avenue
      Chilliwack, BC V2P 2T1
      604-795-8211

  10. I was a hwy plow driver in southern Ontario plowing QEW Niagara area for several years . Seeing how they plow Nanaimo area is a total joke . 2 plows with wings will plow 2 lanes from one end to the other then go down other side then plow off and on ramps tada!! Done deal!!!!! Then a sand or salt truck should follow the plows route hwy19a you should send the supervisor to south Niagara to learn from them how this should be done then maybe our roads might be safer to travel

  11. Failure to maintain lower mainland bridges after a well-forecasted 10-15 cm of snow makes us the laughing stock of Canada. It is a case of extreme incompetence that people were needing to be in their cars for 8+ hours over regularly 1 hour commutes.

    If MOTI is not competent enough to keep the bridges clear with light to moderate snowfall, then step out of the way so that private industry can take care of it. Six pick-up type plows could have done a better job than MOTI this week. Pathetic.

    Small business around the lower mainland are still stuggling after authoritarian lockdowns and restrictions by our provincial and federal governments. They need to have assurance that products can be shipped, and that staff can reasonable get to and from work.

    MOTI should step aside if this sort of incompetence is going to continue.

    • Hi there Hard Facts,

      Thanks for connecting with us here to share your concerns. The ministry posted notices on the DriveBC website and social media channels on Monday, advising of the storm and congestion anticipated for Tuesday. As Environment Canada had indicated snow in the forecast, our Maintenance Contractors across the Lower Mainland had all available equipment and crews deployed in anticipation. The rate of snowfall was significant with flurries starting early afternoon and building throughout the evening. In total we received snow accumulations of 20-30 cm with the average rate of hourly snowfall as high as 6cm. In the Metro Vancouver area alone, we deployed 30 snowplow trucks equipped with salting/brining equipment. All available tow trucks were also deployed. Mainroad Contracting had also proactively hired subcontractors to work on the roads in advance of the storm.

      Despite our maintenance contractors’ efforts, many vehicles were challenged with grades on our structures. The majority of these vehicles were buses and semi’s who could not climb the grades in the conditions. When these large vehicles became stuck, and in some cases blocked roadways, it also made clearing efforts for all available tow trucks more difficult. Intense commuter volumes did not clear until well in the early morning with congestion contributing to our maintenance contractors’ ability to get snowplows to the key areas to help clear abandoned vehicles and address the road conditions.

      Our ministry and the maintenance contractor are conducting a review of last night’s event to determine if there are additional measures that can be taken in anticipation of the next weather event. All highways have been cleared and winter materials (salt/brine/calcium chloride) are being used to address any remaining compact snow and ice conditions. Drivers are encouraged to drive for winter conditions on all our routes and to be prepared with winter tires and leaving themselves extra time for their commutes. In winter conditions, drivers are asked to help maintenance crews by moving over safely when they see a vehicle with an amber light approaching. This allows maintenance crews to clear the snow and improve road conditions to reduce hazards for drivers and help them get home safely.

      We hope this information is helpful and we certainly hope your colleague was able to get the help she needed. Thanks again for connecting with us here and sharing your concerns. Safe travels.

  12. I see that Hwy 97 between Suicide Hill Pullout and Sikanni Chief Road is open to passenger vehicles, travels trailers and RVs. I’ve rented a 15-foot UHaul moving truck that has an auto transport behind it carrying an SVU. Is that considered a passenger vehicle?

    Thanks.

    • Good afternoon, Michel – thanks for your question. We shared your comment with our staff in the CVSE who advised that this is fine as long as it is not commercial hauling and likely shorter than many of the RV’s out there. Hope this information is helpful. Safe travels.

  13. Hello, on Best Road by Ten Mile Lake (V2K6X2) there are 4 signs that are needed.
    1. A “slow down children on road” sign. Many large trucks come speeding down this road for deliveries/construction. There are children on this road who play on the road and are at risk of being injured.
    2. A “horses on road” sign. Again there are horse owners on this road who frequently ride on the road. These speeding large trucks are not prepared for animals to be on the road.
    3. A “no thru road” sign. There seems to be a notion that drivers can access Ten Mile Lake Provincial park from Best Road, which they can not, regardless there is a constant stream of cars coming down this road trying to get into the Provincial park.
    4. Since 2 of the properties on Best Road border with the Provincial Park the turnabout at the end of Best Road is attracting persons who are seeking out camping spots (in the turnabout!!!). Obviously this is very concerning for the 2 property owners by the turnabout. So a “no camping” sign would be appreciated.

    Thank you for your consideration.

    • Thanks for this, Joan. We will share it forward with our staff in the area. You can also reach out directly to staff in the area:

      Quesnel Area
      5th Floor – 410 Kinchant Street
      Quesnel, BC V2J 7J5
      Telephone: 250 983-7210
      Fax: 250 992-7223

  14. Hello! I’ve commented on this before but there are multiple (but 2 in particular) very dangerous sections on the sea to sky highway where pedestrians are often crossing and there are no signs alerting drivers to this. First area – at Murrin provincial park just south of Squamish. There needs to be a set of lights here – both for people coming out of the park going left (direct onto a highway) and for the many many pedestrians that cross here for recreational opportunities on the other side. Please please go visit on a Saturday. It is an accident waiting to happen. Second – north of Alice lake at the parking lot for Area44. Many climbers crossing a very busy road with little visibility. Could you please consider just putting in a couple signs alerting drivers to pedestrians on the road? Thank you!

    • Hi Carla,

      Thanks for sharing your concerns about pedestrians and vehicles crossing the Sea to Sky Highway. I have forwarded your comments to our people responsible for that part of the province.

    • The Area 44 parking area being used by climbers is a pull out on Hwy 99, for the viewpoint overlooking the Squamish Valley and surrounding mountain ranges. Parking is not intended to facilitate access to the Area 44 climbing area. District staff will review signage there, and determine if further signs in the area are warranted.

  15. Who do you call when semi trucks with trailers ignore speed limit and are speeding within city boundaries? It is dangerous. It shakes the house. I have been hit by flying rocks. Just a terrible accident waiting to happen.

    • Good morning Loa – thanks for your message. If you ever notice anything that causes you concern regarding the operation of commercial vehicles in BC, we ask that you report the concern directly to our CVSE hotline: 1-888-775-8785. Thank you!

  16. Why is the camera on Kootenay Pass still “temporarily” unavailable? It’s been out for months. This happens on a regular basis. When is it going to be permanently fixed?

    • Hi Heather,

      Many thanks for your feedback regarding the Kootenay Pass camera – we know how important this camera is to commercial vehicle drivers and the residents of the West Kootenay communities. It’s a bit of a challenge with this camera during the shoulder seasons because we find reliability of the systems are very much affected by the weather.

      This location doesn’t have cellular or landline coverage, so we rely on a satellite system to transmit images to our servers, also the location doesn’t have a good local supply of electrical power – during the summer months we use solar power and then in the fall and through the winter the system uses a generator.

      When we see a large amount of precipitation, the satellite signal gets interrupted so images can’t get through to our servers.

      All that being said, we continue to work with our satellite provider to identify and correct issues in communications as they arise. We also work with our maintenance folks to address any power interruptions at Kootenay Pass.

      There is also a weather station associated with the camera that provides really good up to date information on precipitation, temperature, accumulated snowfall, etc.. I think this would be very useful for you.

  17. I live in Eagle Bay BC I need the proper phone numbers and who to contact about placement of a buoy for a boat? Also I would like a number or someone I can reach out to about people who block access to the Lakeshore on the Shuswap! Why hasn’t Transport Canada addressed this issue and come and put beach access signs up!

    • Hi there Kimberly,

      Thanks for connecting with us here. Please reach out to staff in our Salmon Arm area office:

      Salmon Arm Area
      850c – 16 Street NE, Bag 100
      Salmon Arm, BC V1E 4S4
      Telephone: 250 712-3660

  18. Who do I call to report a bus driver, who continuously ignores brown passengers at the bus stop 25 on Dawson street? And just drives on by, when we are waving like mad for her to stop. This has happened multiple times and we always end up waiting an additional 15 min for the bus after. And it’s always the same driver that skips over us.
    I have patients to see, I don’t have time for this bias!

    • Hello Dr. Kay – thanks for connecting with us here. Unfortunately, we are unable to help you with this issue as it falls under the jurisdiction of either BC Transit or Translink. We encourage you to connect directly with them to share your concern. Hope this is helpful.

  19. which department can I contact to find out if I have unpaid citations with British Columbia department of transportation (for a citation for a commercial vehicle)?

  20. I am told that I need an access permit from MOT to accompany my building permit application in the Alberni Clayoquot Regional District. I cannot find where to apply for the access permit.
    I have a driveway but I still need an access permit.

    • Hello Bonnie – please connect with our district office staff at this location for more information:

      Vancouver Island District
      3rd floor – 2100 Labieux Rd.
      Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E9
      250-751-3246

      Hours of operation:
      8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday

  21. Hello. I have concerns that a rideshare program is taking advantage of carpooling laws in BC. From my own personal knowledge and experience, I can attest the fact the Poparide uses certain altruistic laws meant for common people to their profitable advantage, are not taxed and allow millions of dollars to be undocumented. I can provide evidence, proof of such tactics, and even bragging that keeps such a company afloat.

  22. Because of faint or non-existent lines on the road, it is a harrowing experience to drive at night on the roads of Denman and Hornby Islands. Where do I get information on the dates the various roads were last painted?

    • Hi there Douglas – please reach out to staff in your local area office – contact info below:

      3rd floor – 2100 Labieux Rd.
      Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E9
      250-751-3246

      Hours of operation:
      8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday

    • Hi there Douglas – please reach out to staff in your local area office – contact info below:

      3rd floor – 2100 Labieux Rd.
      Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E9
      250-751-3246

      Hours of operation:
      8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday

    • Hi there Robert,

      Without knowing the specifics of the location, we are inclined to say no. However, we encourage you to reach out to our staff responsible for the area to confirm. Here’s the contact info:

      Saanich Area
      240 – 4460 Chatterton Way
      Victoria, BC V8X 5J2

      Hours of Operation:
      8:30 am to noon
      1 pm to 4:30 pm
      Monday to Friday
      250-952-4515

  25. Good morning.
    Highway 3 is going to become very busy for the foreseeable future.
    I am very concerned with the junction at Hwy 3A and Hwy 97 at Kaleden.
    It is already hard to turn onto Hwy 97 to go North and with all the extra
    vehicles and transport trucks , it is going to be impossible.
    Vehicles are going to be backed up on hwy 3A.

  26. My husband and I bought a property adjacent to what looks like what could be a proposal to extend two roads across Shawnigan Creek along our property. Is it possible to find out what the future plans are for Peerless Road and Plumtree Road in Cobble Hill?
    I did contact the CVRD and they said it was under the Ministry of transportation.

    Thank you!

    • Good morning Terri,

      Thanks for connecting with us here.

      This falls to our Development Approvals team. You can contact them through our Saanich Area office.

      Here’s the contact info:

      Saanich Area
      240 – 4460 Chatterton Way
      Victoria, BC V8X 5J2

      Hours of Operation:
      8:30 am to noon
      1 pm to 4:30 pm
      Monday to Friday
      250-952-4515

    • Hello David – we shared your question with our staff in the area and who reviewed their records and found plans showing widening on the stretch of highway that is now route 6 around the area described in 1945. This is likely around the time when he east side would of became the primary route. We hope that this information is helpful.

  28. Who do I contact about highway 4A Alberni Hwy. I am concerned about the amount of tvehicles parked on the side of the hwy at the goats on the roof. It is getting extremely dangerous as multiple times I have seen families nearly getting hit by vehicles as they try to cross to the stores. It is also getting to be almost impossible to drive that direction during the summer season.

    • Hello and thank you for connecting with us here to share your concern.

      We are aware of the traffic in this area and that volumes have increased considerably here in recent years.

      The shoulder space on Highway 4A around the attraction is wide enough to provide enough room for visitors to park along the roadside safely and the ministry has also installed special crosswalks in the area (i.e. Station Road has a pedestrian controlled crosswalk with flashing lights). Traffic naturally slows down at this location due to the tourist activities and we do expect pedestrians to use caution, and motorists to drive defensively and reduce speed when traffic in the area is high. We continue to monitor the area to ensure the safety of everyone accessing this attraction.

      Thanks again for taking the time to reach out to us here – we hope this information is helpful.

  29. Hello,
    We are almost at completion for our new home in Nanoose Bay. We would like to include a driveway gate on our driveway. Are there any regulations or guidelines we should know about?

    Thank you,
    Ursula Westwood

    • Hello Ursula,

      Thanks for your question. We aren’t aware of any regulations or guidelines in place, but encourage you to reach out to your local municipality for more details.

    • Hi there Cam – thanks for connecting with us here. Please reach out to the our district office for more information on this, as they should be able to give you more info directly.

      Vancouver Island District
      3rd floor – 2100 Labieux Rd.
      Nanaimo, BC V9T 6E9
      250-751-3246

      Hours of operation:
      8:30 am to 4:30 pm Monday to Friday

  31. I want to confirm who is responsible for maintenance on FSR201. I have been getting the run around for two years as to who is responsible. With winter 2020 upon us, the FSR 201 from Mcculloch Road to Idabel lake has not been plowed, and at times driving conditions are treacherous.
    Looking forward to your reply
    Regards, Denise

  32. Your link doesn’t work for //www2.gov.bc.ca/gov/content/transportation/driving-and-cycling/driving/traveller-information/seasonal/winter-driving/winter-tires-and-chains , it pops up an email link only which doesn’t work, and web page cannot be found.

  35. Hello,
    I have a question about north bound after the McKenzie interchange and before Helmcken Rd.
    I see with 2 merge lanes off of McKenzie it is still a bottle-neck onto the highway. Is there any consideration to complete a 3rd lane between McKenzie and Helmcken so traffic can flow similarly between to the southbound Colwood to Helmcken 3 lane area?

    Thanks

        • Hi Devi,

          Thanks for following up. There are no plans to add additional lanes to the Trans Canada Highway through this section. The ministry continues to focus on shifting people away from single occupancy vehicles and towards transit and other sustainable modes of transportation rather than adding more capacity to the highway network. Hope that this helps!

  36. To whom it may concern:
    Recently had a vehicle impounded for 7 days.

    Go friday to pick it up and been told that on the 12th it was turned into a 30 day impound due to previous infraction…
    1. Court date for those just so happens to be on the 23rd of sept. A guilty plea has not happened.
    2. I did not recieve a letter, phone call, email, in person talk… To let know on the 12th this was decided… The owner of the vehicle was completely unaware…

    This is complete entrappment and last time i checked its “innocent until proven guilty”.

  38. To Whom it may concern:
    I would like to know why the left hand turn signal light is not activate early morning or all the time west bound on Burnette Ave turning Left onto King Edward in Coquitlam BC.I found the last couple of day the left hand turn Signal not working? It should be on all the time, this is how accidents happen at this busy intersection. I think its turned off on purpose to cause accidents so ICBC can charge us good drive more money on our Insurance. All left hand turn signals should be activate all the time?

      • Hi Richard,

        A City of Coquitlam Traffic technologist advised us that the left turn signal at this location is activated when a queue of two to three cars are in the left turn lane. It will not activate if there is only one vehicle waiting to turn.

  39. Witnesses Needed – PLEASE HELP!◄ (North Vancouver)
    Please Help!
    Does the traffic cam have video of this incident!?

    Witness(es) needed to give a statement for a collision on Saturday June 20 at approximately 9:00am at the intersection of Mount Seymour Parkway and Lillooet Rd. North Van.

    A silver Dodge Caravan drove into the wrong lane while making a left turn from Mount Seymour Parkway onto Lillooet Road, stopped, and then backed up to try making a U-turn to get into the proper lane. This resulted in backing into a silver Mazda which was behind the Dodge Caravan making the turn.

    If you witnessed this collision or have any additional information and could verify the events that occurred, please reply by e-mail. Your help would be greatly appreciated, as the driver of the Caravan is denying any responsibility even though admitting total fault at the time of the accident.

    Thanks very much.

    • Hello David,

      Thank you for your request for images from any BC HwyCams around Mt Seymour Parkway and Lillooet Rd.

      Unfortunately we don’t have a BC HwyCam at this location. The BC HwyCam system archives old images for one month, which would be how we’d be able to provide you with the images.

      There is a camera at Lillooet Rd and Mt Seymour Parkway that the project team who are working on the Lower Lynn project use from time to time, but unfortunately it’s not currently capturing or saving images. I’m sorry that this is not much help to you.
      Maybe there’s someone who captured it on a dash cam –it might be worthwhile posting something on a community website?

      FYI:
      The webcams are not surveillance webcams, and that the resolution is very low. Police often consult camera images in an investigation, although I don’t think they would be admissible in a court of law (personal opinion).

      The ministry will provide DriveBC camera images on request, however this is an unofficial service provided on a “best effort” basis. We can usually respond within a week. The following terms and conditions apply:

      • The images are not video, but still images taken at regular intervals. The intervals vary from 2 to 30 mins. The variation depends on available bandwidth for the location.
      • None of the BC Highway Cameras capture or store video.
      • We manage DriveBC highway webcams only, not red light webcams (that’s ICBC).
      • The ministry has an internal website that saves display images for up to one month. Image files on ministry servers are overwritten after one month, and are unobtainable through this service.
      • The cameras are intended to provide road condition and traffic volume information to drivers and to the ministry’s traffic management centre for response to incidents/events on highways. They are not intended for surveillance.
      • These are low resolution images, generally taken from a distance so that license plates and faces are not identifiable.

      You can see the full collection of highway cameras at our BC HighwayCams website or on DriveBC . Both sites have mobile versions as well.

      We hope that this helps!

  40. When ever it snows there seems to be a problem with the lack of snow plow service on Hwy 19 between Horn Lake Road and the Courtenay connector. This morning there had not been a plow through prior to 10 am. The conditions were horrendous. The slush thick pulling your car towards the shoulder, visibilty poor. Anyone with a truck or small vehicle would have had major difficulty. I was fortunate to follow a truck who also swerved several times. Cars were travelling between 40 and 60 kms per hour and I passed 3 accidents. It took over an 1.5 hrs to travel that distance. Traffic was single lane. I saw one plow during that time traveling South. Do you not have plows allocated for this area?
    This seems to be a problem area from year to year. I would really like to know why?

    • Hi there – sorry for the delay in this message. We understand you heard directly from our local area manager on this as well, but wanted to follow up here too.

      Here’s what we heard from him:

      I apologize for your frustrations this morning Marian. The area you describe below is a “hot spot” for snow and freezing activity. Oddly referred to as a hot spot, but essentially it’s a micro-climate area that has uncharacteristic weather compared to adjacent areas.

      There were 4 Mainroad (maintenance contractor) plow trucks working this area of Highway 19 this morning. Mainroad has sent the ministry their inspection reports; additionally the ministry’s internal staff monitored the area from 7am-11am – both confirming this section was actively treated and plowed.

      If you have questions or concerns regarding plow activity, you can either reach out to Shawn directly, or contact the Mainroad North Island 24 hr line: 1-877-215-7122

  41. I’d like to report a problem with your non responses to factual abhorrent road conditions on Texada Island by removing my posts rather than addressing them. Must be nice to have that power over concerned citizens queries and observations. I expect nothing less from this truly phony site editor. The pattern continues with unfavourable posts for many years that I’m aware of. A change is sorely needed.

    • Hi William. Please be assured we do not remove comments. Rather, comments go through an approval process before they appear in the comments stream. This ensures the comments stream is free of spam and foul/abusive language.

      Our apologies that we did not get a chance to approve and respond to your December 18 comment until this morning. You will now see it, along with our response. If you have any other questions, please feel free to reach out, and we will respond as soon as possible.

  42. No contact info available to complain about the ongoing problem in the snow removal on the hiways. Been a otrlong haul driver for over 40 years and the road maintenance gets worse every year. Back in the day when the bc hiway crew maintained these rds we never sat for hrs and hrs on end now a days a snow flake drops every thing comes to a halt. Contractors say it is for safety but in reality its is to cover themselves from insurance claims shameful.

  43. Not sure where I should start but there is a proposed landscaping supply company that unfortunately is located in a residential area. This strip of land is zoned industrial and unfortunately sold too late for the zoning to be changed to heritage or residential. To make a long story short, there will be lots of trucks and vehicles doing a sharp left hand turn off of hwy. 3 onto a residential street. What if anything, should I be aware of with respect to highways and residential streets when it comes to a business that involves trucks and increased vehicular traffic? Thank you.

  45. I am from Alberta and plan to drive my 35 Foot motorhome to the Okanagan in October. I will be flat towing a sub-compact car. Am I required to have winter tires for the motorhome or just carry tire chains? Your signs show a car and camper for winter tires and two sizes of truck for chains. We are bigger than the camper picture so which category does a 35ft. class A motorhome fit in?

  46. What is the requirements if any needed for a person to travel through BC going to Alaska with a forty foot diesel motorhome with air brakes pulling a small SUV (gmc envoy)
    Thankyou
    Bill

    • Hi Bill,

      Thanks for checking in with us on your travel plans for Alaska. Your motorhome-SUV setup is clear and fine – no towing/permit requirements. Have a great trip!

  47. Extremely concerned with the keep right issue, especially on hills like the 3 lane, westbound, up the Kamloops Hill from the Valleyview area. The professional large truck drivers are keeping right, clogging up the right lane that people use to exit freeway. Because they are going so slow, it causes extreme slowing and issues when they block numerous vehicles from using the exits and off ramps. In the case of professional driving, they should use centre lane, allowing for vehicles at highway speeds to exit using right lane and allowing others to pass on left lane continuing on highway. Have been witness to several traffic scares when they use the extreme right lane on these types of roads.