Some landowners in the Nicola Valley want semi-truck traffic banned on Highway 5A between Kamloops and Merritt.
The issue was brought to the Thompson Nicola Regional District board of directors this afternoon, with nine letters included that call for such a ban. Three of those people identified as staff of the Douglas Lake Cattle Company, including general manager Phil Braig. Others included local ranchers and private citizens, and also Upper Nicola Band chief Harvey McLeod.
McLeod says he has raised issues with the province about truck traffic on the rural highway to no avail.
“RCMP and commercial inspectors intervened but this did not lessen the fears we had about safety. Yes, tickets were issued and will continue to be issued and this will not make the highway safer for citizens and users.”
McLeod and other landowners with concerns say the Coquihalla is a freeway that is better designed for semi-trucks and says they should use that route instead.
Data put forward in a presentation argues truck-related crashes on that highway are increasing, saying in 2018 that 26 per cent crashes on Highway 5A north of Merritt involved semi-trucks, compared to 18 per cent in 2013.
Merritt mayor Linda Brown says the Coquihalla sees issues with truck traffic too, and says the province is regularly looking to make improvements.
“When I get scared of driving the Coquihalla, I take the 5A road. There are trucks; I don’t find it a problem with me, for some of the trucks, like I do on the Coquihalla. So I guess what I’m saying is I agree with your issues, there are issues with truck traffic. I just don’t know if your solution is the right one.”
Ashcroft mayor Barbara Roden commented that the Coquihalla should be the preferred route for semi-trucks.
“In addition to being designed for the type of traffic that is now currently using 5A, which of course is very close, the Coquihalla is continually being improved by the Ministry of Highways. Warnings are regularly given, warning people about that highway.”
The group that wrote to the TNRD is looking for a letter of support to the BC government, and board members will decide next month or whether or not to write one.
(Photo: Lori Brewer)