In an effort to reduce the frequency and severity of weather-related crashes, variable speed signs are now live throughout the province, Todd Stone, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure, announced on Thursday.

Effective June 2, motorists are required to obey variable speed limit signs on three areas across the province.

There are 16 variable speed signs on Highway 99 between Squamish and Function Junction at Whistler, 13 variable speed signs on the Coquihalla between Portia Interchange and the former Toll Plaza, and 18 signs on Highway 1 west of Revelstoke between Perry River Bridge and Highway 23 South interchange.

“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,” said Stone.

The speed signs will change to reflect driving conditions. Flashing lights installed above each sign will be active when a reduced speed limit is in effect.

“Speeding is the leading cause of fatal car crashes in our province,” said Chief Const. Neil Dubord, chairman of the B.C. Association of Chiefs of Police Traffic Safety Committee. “Seven out of 10 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.”

The ministry invested $12.5 million to install and run the pilot systems, which is part of the ministry’s $25-million per-year Road Safety Improvement Program.