Image: A Kelowna BC Highway Patrol police officer stops a driver to deliver education on Slow Down Move Over. / Provided / BC Highway Patrol
HIGHWAY POLICE CAMPAIGN

Dozens of tickets issued in Fraser Valley after February BC Highway Patrol campaign

Mar 14, 2025 | 10:56 AM

FRASER VALLEY — BC Highway Patrol has issued 50 tickets to Fraser Valley drivers who failed to “Slow Down and Move Over,” a month-long campaign urging motorists to do so when they see emergency, road maintenance, or any official vehicles with flashing lights stopped at the side of a BC Highway.

“BC Highway Patrol conducted multiple targeted operations throughout the province in February to make highways more secure for emergency responders and maintenance workers – ensuring they safely end their shift and return home to their loved ones,” said Superintendent Mike Coyle with BC Highway Patrol.

More than 450 tickets were written province-wide, but most cases saw warnings and pamphlets handed out instead. The real point was education and awareness of BC Motor Vehicle Act regulations requiring drivers to reduce speed and move into the furthest lane from stopped vehicles with flashing red, blue, or yellow lights, if possible. These include:

  • Police, fire and ambulance;
  • Construction vehicles;
  • Tow trucks;
  • Utility and maintenance vehicles.

BC Highway Patrol encourages all drivers to continue following the 70/40 rule– slow down to 70 km/h when the speed limit is 80 and above and slow down to 40 km/h when the speed is below 80.

Failing to obey the law can result in a $173 violation ticket and three penalty points.

WorkSafeBC data from 2014 to 2023 shows nine workers are dead and 251 more are injured after being struck by vehicles on the job, with more than $18 million paid out in claim costs. Flag persons saw the highest claim count among all other occupations.

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