BC RCMP officers are set to put up roadblocks on major provincial thoroughfares as part of a government plan to keep people at home and stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus..“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,” said Chief Supt. Dave Attfield in a Friday statement..“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, minimising the need for enforcement.”.Attfield said BC RCMP is currently determining where checks will be conducted..“These checks will be conducted by a dedicated team and will not reduce police service in the communities which we serve. All police personnel and partner agencies taking part in the checks will be following COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of everyone,” said Attfield..Signs placed well ahead of the road checks will warn travellers and provide them the opportunity to safely turn around if the purpose of their travel in not essential..Violating the travel order is a $575 fine..Attfield said officers 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. .“When a road check is active, a notification will also be made on the BC RCMP website and social media channels,” he said..“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.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
BC RCMP officers are set to put up roadblocks on major provincial thoroughfares as part of a government plan to keep people at home and stop the spread of the COVID-19 virus..“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,” said Chief Supt. Dave Attfield in a Friday statement..“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, minimising the need for enforcement.”.Attfield said BC RCMP is currently determining where checks will be conducted..“These checks will be conducted by a dedicated team and will not reduce police service in the communities which we serve. All police personnel and partner agencies taking part in the checks will be following COVID-19 protocols to ensure the safety of everyone,” said Attfield..Signs placed well ahead of the road checks will warn travellers and provide them the opportunity to safely turn around if the purpose of their travel in not essential..Violating the travel order is a $575 fine..Attfield said officers 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. .“When a road check is active, a notification will also be made on the BC RCMP website and social media channels,” he said..“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.”.Dave Naylor is the News Editor of the Western Standard.,dnaylor@westernstandardonline.com,.Twitter.com/nobby7694
