A freeway patrol service intended to help stranded motorists, and keep traffic flowing on some major Ventura County highways is reporting a busy first year.
The Ventura County Transportation Commission’s Freeway Service Patrol has helped around 3,000 motorists since it was launched in March of 2021. Roving tow trucks patrol sections of Highway 101 from the Los Angeles/Ventura County line to Oxnard, and Highways 23 and 118 in Thousand Oaks and Simi Valley.
During the peak weekday commute hours, they provide services ranging from fixing a flat to helping someone who’s run out of gas. In fact, the drivers have fixed nearly 500 flat tires in the last year. If a vehicle has an issue which can’t be quickly solved, the tow truck will move it to a safe spot.
Money for the program comes from Caltrans, and from a $1 a year fee on vehicles registered in Ventura County.
