BCHP – Vancouver Island to increase roadblocks on July long weekend

Lake Cowichan, BC Highway Patrol

2024-06-25 07:10 PDT

With summer weather approaching, Vancouver Island will see a higher volume of motorists on the highways as campers, tourists, and festival attendees flock to the Island. As a result, BC Highway Patrol will be conducting impaired driving enforcement near recreational areas and festivals over the July and August long weekends especially in the Lake Cowichan area.

The BC Association of Chiefs of Police impaired driving campaign runs from June 15 to August 31, 2024. BC Highway Patrol will be increasing impaired driving enforcement throughout the summer with a focus around festivals and large events where liquor will be served.

A police vehicle with lights flashing with a stopped vehicle

View larger image: BC Highway Patrol on a highway next to stopped vehicles.

On the May long-weekend, Vancouver Island BC Highway Patrol officers demonstrated zero tolerance for impaired driving which led to the elimination of impaired driving fatal collisions in BC Highway Patrol jurisdictions. Similarly, BC Highway Patrol officers will be targeting impaired drivers from recreational areas, fairs, and music festivals to eliminate traffic fatalities on the Island this summer, says Corporal Melissa Jongema, BC Highway Patrol Media Relations Officer. There are many free or low-cost safe ride options available to event attendees including: shuttles, taxis, rideshares, transit, and rides with designated drivers. If you are planning to attend a large event and drink liquor or consume drugs, please arrange for a safe ride.

Under the Criminal Code, police officers can compel anyone operating a motor vehicle to provide a sample of their breath into an Approved Screening Device. Impaired driving penalties include 24-hour driving prohibitions, 3-day, 30-day, and 90-day immediate driving prohibitions with vehicle impounds and possibly Criminal charges.

BC Highway Patrol