Ont. to raise fees for driver, vehicle licences

 Liberal government plans to raise the cost of fees for driver and vehicle licences in Ontario. 
The government announced the plans Tuesday morning. Officials say the plan is to use the money to fix roads and bridges.
"For the first time in 15 years, Ontario is increasing driver and vehicle licence fees to ensure provincial roads and bridges remain safe and in good repair for future generations," the government said in a news release. "While costs of maintaining roads, bridges and highways have risen over time, fees have not, so in keeping with the recommendations of the Drummond Commission, the government is moving forward with modest and gradual increases."
In southern Ont. the fee for a driver's licence will go up by five dollars next year, to $80. Driving exams will increase anywhere between $5 and $10.
A vehicle licence validation fee will also increase from $74 to $98 by 2015.
Other fees that are set to go up:

• Permit fees for truck and bus operators
• Permits for trailers
• Farm and off-road/snow vehicles

The government decided they are not moving ahead with a recommendation to charge parking fees for GO Transit commuters.
The Liberals say that licencing fees in Ontario remain lower than any other province in the country.
According to government statistics, there are about 11 million vehicles registered in Ontario.