The BC Highway Patrol (BCHP) says a woman had her vehicle impounded after she was allegedly spotted travelling more than twice the posted speed limit on Highway 4 within the Cameron Lakes Bluffs wildfire area.
The Cameron Lakes Bluffs wildfire erupted east of Port Alberni in early June, and shut down a section of the only highway connecting Vancouver Island with the western communities of Port Alberni, Tofino, and Ucluelet for several weeks.
The wildfire caused the highway to close on June 6, and it only reopened to single-lane alternating traffic on June 23.
The area is considered a construction zone with a posted speed limit of 60 km/h.
On Monday, the BC Highway Patrol says an officer spotted a Lexus SUV travelling at 127 km/h and overtaking two travel trailers in the 60 km/h zone.
The officer then pulled over the vehicle and gave the driver, a Vancouver Island resident in her 40s, a ticket for excessive speeding.
Her vehicle was also impounded for a week, according to police.
The vehicle was impounded for a week. (BC Highway Patrol)
Mounties are reminding drivers to obey all posted speed limits, particularly in construction areas.
“Highway construction workers have a dangerous job,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Tallboy, acting Officer in Charge of BCHP Vancouver Island.
“Construction zones have a reduced speed limit for a reason, and these speed limits can be in effect day or night, regardless of whether or not workers are visible,” he said. “While we understand that it may be frustrating to wait in alternating traffic queues, we ask that motorists exhibit patience as these workers deserve to go home safely to their families after their shift like everyone else.”
A long and treacherous detour around the Highway 4 construction zone was also established in early June, though the province has warned that it is a difficult route that should be avoided unless necessary.
The detour, which follows logging roads between Lake Cowichan and Port Alberni, will remain open until the highway fully reopens, according to the province.
Adam Chan
