BC RCMP say it is currently in the process of determine where it will be conducting road checks to stop the spread of COVID-19.
That comes after the B.C. government gave the go ahead for road checks in a bid to enforce travel restrictions that were announced last Friday.
In a statement, Chief Superintendent Dave Attfield, says these checks will be conducted by a dedicated team and will not reduce police service in the communities served by RCMP.
“As outlined in the provincial announcement, the BC RCMP will not be conducting random checks of vehicles or persons. Enforcement will only occur at the designated road check locations on Highways #1, #3, #5, and #99 near to the boundaries between the combined Coastal and Fraser Health Regions and the combined Northern and Interior Health Regions,” he said.
“When a road check is active, a notification will also been made on the BC RCMP website and social media channels.”
Attfield says all police officers and partner agencies taking part in the checks will be following COVID-19 protocols. Further, as announced by Public Safety Minister, Mike Farnworth, he says there will be signs placed well ahead of the road checks allowing potential travellers the opportunity to turn around if their trip is not essential.
“The checks, as outlined in the provincial government announcement, are specifically intended to help limit non-essential travel in order to slow the spread of COVID-19 in our communities,” Attfield said. “The emphasis will be on informing travellers of the order, identifying whether or not the purpose for travel is essential as listed in the order, and providing every opportunity for travellers to turn around voluntarily.”
“It is anticipated that the vast majority of travellers will voluntarily comply, minimizing the need for enforcement.”
In any case, not following a police order to turn back could result in a $230 fine while violating the travel order comes with a $575 fine.
Heading into May Long weekend, Attfield is asking people to go through the restrictions and avoid non-essential travel between the three designated zones – the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and Northern and Interior Health regions.
“We recognize that these checks will impact traffic flow and could potentially lead to delays. Leading up to the May long weekend we encourage everyone to revisit their plans and limit travel outside of their community,” he said.
“By working together, we will help to slow the spread of COVID-19 and return to normal seasonal travel more quickly.”
