The province says questions about essential travel are already asked at ferry terminals, meaning police roadblocks on Vancouver Island aren't needed. (file photo/NanaimoNewsNOW)

By NanaimoNewsNOW Staff

travel ban

Non-essential travel road blocks not coming to Vancouver Island

Apr 30, 2021 | 1:02 PM

NANAIMO — Police won’t be waiting on Vancouver Island highways to stop people from travelling out of their area.

Mike Farnworth, public safety minister, confirmed during a Friday, April 30 media briefing the CounterAttack-style periodic road blocks implemented until May 25 won’t be established near Island ferry terminals as originally planned.

He said questions about essential travel are already asked at the ferry terminals, which seem to be effective.

“This past weekend ferry traffic was down on average 30 per cent. Foot passenger traffic was down 40 per cent, that speaks volumes I think.”

Nanaimo RCMP confirmed its members won’t be operating road checks in conjunction with the province’s travel ban.

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Farnworth said police are responding to ferry terminals to enforce the travel ban in specific situations.

“Those police will attend as required and that’s what’s been taking place and it’s been working quite well so far,” Farnworth said.

While people still have the ability to travel throughout Vancouver Island for non essential reasons, Farnworth said that’s not recommended.

“I just want to make it clear to people that that doesn’t mean you go from Victoria to Courtenay or you go from Nanaimo up to Port Hardy.”

Under the Emergency Program Act, police can issue fines of $575 to travellers whose movements are deemed to not be essential.

Farnworth clarified police will only ask for a driver’s name, address and license and any other available documents confirming a residential address.

Travel documents to disclose the purpose of the trip aren’t required.

The non-essential travel ban was announced on Friday, April 23, however Farnworth delayed implementing the police road blocks initiative in order to finalize how it would be executed.

Video feed of minister Farnworth’s April 30 media briefing:

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