The BC RCMP has announced that police intend to increase travel road checks across the province for the upcoming long weekend as COVID-19 travel restrictions remain in place.
Police say they will be out checking for any non-essential travellers moving between the three established regions of Vancouver/Fraser Valley, Northern/Interior and Vancouver Island.
Over the past two weeks, police have established rotating checks at four locations. While overall traffic volume has been less than normal levels, we did see an increase in traffic this past weekend,
explains Superintendent Holly Turton, Officer in Charge, BC Highway Patrol.
According to RCMP, 1,412 vehicles were checked, with one voluntary turn-around between May 6-8. From May 14-16 a total of 2,069 vehicles were checked and 30 vehicles voluntarily turned around.
While the public has been supportive of our officers at the checks, we know that more people are typically on our roads and highways on long weekends. We would like all travellers to know that we will be increasing the number and duration of the road checks leading up to, and through this long weekend,
says Supt. Turton.
BC RCMP says road checks will be set up at the four established locations:
- Highway 1 in the Boston Bar area
- Highway 3 in the Manning Park area
- Highway 5 in the Old Toll Booth area
- Highway 99 in the Lillooet area
The current public health restrictions that put a limit on travel are set to expire at 12:01 a.m. on Tuesday, May 25, however, it is unclear at this time whether the rules will be extended.
For more information regarding provincial enforcement, British Columbians click here.
Graham Cox
