May long weekend patrols a success for Northern Rockies RCMP

FORT NELSON, B.C. — The Northern Rockies RCMP reported “great success” during its May long weekend patrols and traffic enforcement efforts.

According to a press release by the Northern Rockies RCMP on May 19th, the RCMP patrolled various communities across the region and conducted traffic enforcement on the Alaska Highway during the May long weekend. 

The release said the weekend typically marks the beginning of the annual “pilgrimage” to the Liard Hot Springs Provincial Park and other areas of the north, as the weather improves and traffic increases along the Alaska Highway. 

The RCMP annually deploys officers to the “literal hot spot” to patrol most of the communities in northeastern B.C. and conducts traffic enforcement along the route. 

This year was no different as the police worked with their partners, the BC Conservation Service. The goal of the joint operation was to ensure safe travelling and camping during the weekend. 

The RCMP and conservation officers issued a total of 68 violation tickets for driving infractions, seven violation tickets for off-road vehicle infractions and seven notice and orders for vehicle deficiencies. 

According to Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement, a notice and order is issued when a vehicle is operating on a public roadway in non-compliance and may have one or more safety defects contrary to the Motor Vehicle Act. 

The police also conducted 25 mandatory alcohol screenings and issued one 24-hour driving prohibition, arrested one person on an outstanding warrant and towed four vehicles under the Motor Vehicle Act. 

Conservation officers also issued two warnings to fishermen and checked five firearms in vehicles. 

In addition, 16 people were checked after accessing the Liard Hot Springs after hours in contravention of the park’s rules. 

Staff Sergeant Kris Clark of the BC RCMP said: “From Laird Hot Springs to Prophet River First Nation and everywhere in between, our officers covered a lot of ground this weekend.” 

“May long weekend at the Liard Hot Springs is one of my favourite memories from my time in Fort Nelson, but having the weekend conclude safely is always priceless.”