FILE PHOTO - B.C. minister of public safety and solicitor general Mike Farnworth takes questions from reporters, Aug. 21, 2020.
Image Credit: SUBMITTED / Province of B.C.
November 19, 2021 - 4:37 PM
Highways 3 and 7 are now open and reestablishing supply chains between the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province.
That travel into the Interior is restricted to essential traffic only. Non-essential, or recreational travel, is not allowed on those highways, according to an announcement from the Ministry of Transportation today, Nov. 19.
Single lane traffic will continue on Highway 7, along with three sections of alternating traffic east of Hope.
The route is not commonly a preferred route for commercial drivers, but the connection between the Lower Mainland and the rest of the province is expected to establish connections for crucial trade routes.
Travel is restricted to essential reasons on Highways 3, 7 and 99. However, heavy commercial vehicles are not permitted on Highway 99.
Travel restrictions for non-essential travellers is one of two temporary travel-related measures being taken by the province in the current state of emergency.
In the Lower Mainland, Sunshine Coast and on Vancouver Island, fuel will be limited for the public until Dec. 1, 2021.
The public is restricted to 30 litres per trip to a gas station in an effort to prioritize essential services and emergency vehicles.
During a news conference today, Public Safety Minister Mike Farnworth said the fuel restrictions are being put in place so the province does not run out of fuel.
While the Trans Mountain Pipeline is still being assessed, trade routes are being established to bring more fuel into the province by both trucks and barges from Alberta, Washington and California.
Both emergency measures are being enforced through the Emergency Program Act.
While there will be no active enforcement to ensure the public limits their fuel trips to 30 litres, Farnworth said he trusts most British Columbians will "do the right thing."
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