In addition to the existing service which has already been operated along expressways, Vehicle Information and Communication System(VICS) service has become available along major ordinary roads during the Nagano Winter Olympic Games (Feb 7 to 22, 1998) and the Paralympics (March 5 to 14). This service has started on January 12, 1998 to support safe and smooth traffic flow during the Olympic and Paralympic period in the area with the lead of the VICS center (chaired by Masao Kamei). For driversfconvenience, up-to-dateinformation on the Olympic games was also provided.

The road traffic information service remains available after the Olympic games.

VICS provides dynamic traffic information about congestion, road construction, restrictions and required travel time to help drivers make informed decisions. This real-time information system enables traffic to flow more safety, smoothly, and efficiently.

Smooth traffic flow allows vehicles to reduce fuel consumption and subsequent emissions, and to contribute to preserving the natural environment in accordance with the Nagano Olympic slogan, "coexistence with the nature"

• VICS has expanded the area of its service
• Service became available along the Tokyo Bay Aqua-line on December 18,1997