SURREY, B.C. – BC RCMP is determining where to conduct the road checks to ensure public, and officer safety after the province expanded on the recent travel restrictions Friday.
The province officially authorized police to begin conducting the road stops on travel corridors between three regional zones. Chief Superintendent Dave Attfield released a statement following the announcement outlining the protocols and limitations of the enforcement.
“The emphasis will be on informing travellers of the order, identifying whether or not the purpose for travel is essential as listed on the order, and providing every opportunity for travellers to turn around voluntarily,” says Attfield.
Echoing the provincial announcement, Attfield says the BC RCMP will not conduct random checks of vehicles or persons. Enforcement will only be conducted at the designated road locations on Highways #1, #3, #5, and #99, close to where boundaries of health regions intersect.
“In preparation for the upcoming checks, we would ask the public review the restrictions and provisions that the provincial government has issued, and to avoid non-essential travel between the Lower Mainland/Fraser Valley, Vancouver Island, and Northern/Interior regions.”
Attfield says a specific team will conduct road checks, and regular police coverage will not be affected in the communities it serves.
When a road check is active, there will be a notification on the BC RCMP website and various social media channels. Attfield recognizes these checks will likely impact the flow of traffic, leading to delays.
“Leading up to the May long weekend, we encourage everyone to revisit their plans and limit travel outside of their community.”
