Starting Wednesday, drivers on a BC Ferries vessel who are parked on the lower deck now need to leave the vehicle.
The return of this measure is in compliance with Transport Canada’s regulations. The restrictions on access to enclosed car decks during sailings were suspended in March in order to allow customers to remain in their vehicles for physical distancing purposes amid the COVID-19 pandemic.
Transport Canada says there are now adequate protective measures in place and it’s not safe for people to be on enclosed decks.
Passengers will get a warning if a BC Ferries employee spots them in their vehicle, according to Deborah Marshall, executive director of public affairs with BC Ferries. An employee will direct the driver’s attention to a sign indicating that staying in the vehicle is no longer permitted.
“It would be a passive enforcement. We would jot down that person’s vehicle license plate number and the vehicle description.” If the driver doesn’t vacate their vehicle then penalties will be issued.
“If we see a customer, multiple times, not complying with the regulation, BC Ferries could issue a ban. Alternatively, Transport Canada could issue fines. they would start at, my understanding, $600 and could go up to $12,000,” Marshall said.
Some ferry users told CHEK Transport Canada’s rules don’t make sense.
“I think there are certain occasions when we need to, maybe, relax it a little bit for the sake of the situation at hand. And I think we’re in it now,” one man waiting at Swartz Bay on Wedneday told CHEK.
“That’s just wrong. It’s for your own health and safety. Why would you change something that’s working?” another man told CHEK.
BC Ferries says it will accommodate customers with special requests for the upper car decks if they ask at the ticket booth.
Transport Canada did not respond to a request for an interview.
Mary Griffin
