A dangerous situation: Why truckers are worried about encampments at B.C. rest stops
Truckers say provincial rest stops turned make-shift RV parks and encampments are creating a safety hazard for drivers in B.C.
By law, commercial truckers can’t drive more than 13 hours a day. And beginning this summer, a new enforcement tool will ensure compliance.
“On August 1, we’re moving to a new system where all of that timing will be tracked electronically,” said Dave Earle, president of the B.C. Trucking Association.
But with increased congestion on highways, there’s more chance than ever that truckers will run into delays and need to use rest stops.
“What drivers are telling us is they are frustrated. They’re trying to find a place to get off the road, they’re trying to find that place to sleep, and particularly at night – they just can’t get into these facilities,” Earle explained.
That’s because the parking lots, at places like the Bradner Rest Stop, are often filled by people living in RVs or other vehicles, even though longer-term camping is not permitted.
“If (truck drivers) have nowhere to stop, literally nowhere to stop, you’re forcing them to break the law and you’re forcing them to work outside in a dangerous situation where they’re fatigued,” Earle said.
Camper Brian Young said there are about 90 full-time campers at the Bradner stop.
Young has been there for about two years, living in an RV with his wife.
“We have nowhere else to go. We have to park somewhere,” the 58-year-old said.
Young lost his job and even though his wife works almost full-time, they can’t afford an apartment.
“My father was a trucker all his life so I understand the trucks. I agree with them, but nowadays, it’s hard,” Young said.
He thinks the province should clean up the Lonzo Camp, which used to be a rest stop in Abbotsford and is also on provincially owned land. The property is now an entrenched homeless camp with dilapidated RV’s and burned-out trailers. It’s considered the most violent camp in the city.
“Clean all that up and put it back as a clean area for truckers… because that’s right off the freeway for them,” he said.
Another camper, Mary, who didn’t want to give her last name, is parked in the lower section of the rest stop where the trucks would usually park.
She’s been there since December.
“I see (the truckers’) concern, but hopefully they can see our concern too. When you don’t have much else other than an RV, what are you suppose to do?” she asked.
The trucking association has raised its concerns with the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure.
The ministry, in a statement, said "upgrades to the Bradner Rest Area" are part of its Fraser Valley Highway 1 Corridor Improvement Program.
“The province continues to work with Ministry of Housing though their outreach program and with local enforcement to keep the current rest area a safe place to temporarily stop and use the facilities,” the statement continues.
According to the ministry, it “has also been working closely with the City of Abbotsford, sharing relevant information, concerns and decisions that relate to the Bradner Rest Area.”
Earle said that while help is needed for those forced to make the rest stop a campground, other campers are there by choice.
“You’ll come in here at night and see some amazing units because they’re choosing to camp here. In our view, that is simply offside,” he said.
He said that the Bradner Rest Area, in particular, is important for truckers to have access to.
“This is the last rest stop before Metro Vancouver. If they can’t stop here, where can they stop?” he said.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Police arrest 3 Indian nationals in killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
Three people have been arrested and charged in the killing of B.C. Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar – as authorities continue investigating potential connections to the Indian government.
Five areas Canada's foreign interference commissioner says needs more investigation
Commissioner Marie-Josee Hogue released her interim report examining foreign election interference on Friday. Here are five elements of the issue that Hogue says she needs to further probe before she can make conclusions or recommendations.
Police officer hit by driver of fleeing vehicle in Toronto
York Regional Police say they are continuing to search for a suspect in an auto theft investigation who was captured on video running over a police officer in Toronto last month.
Why your airfare may be getting more expensive
Skyrocketing airfare prices are linked to heightened competition and rising food and fuel, according to the CAA.
TD worst-case scenario more likely after drug money laundering allegations: analyst
TD Bank Group could be hit with more severe penalties than previously expected, says a banking analyst after a report that the investigation it faces in the U.S. is tied to laundering illicit fentanyl profits.
New weight-loss drug Wegovy not a 'magic bullet,' doctor warns
As Wegovy becomes available to Canadians starting Monday, a medical expert is cautioning patients wanting to use the drug to lose weight that no medication is a ''magic bullet,' and the new medication is meant particularly for people who meet certain criteria related to obesity and weight.
Drew Carey is never quitting 'The Price Is Right'
Drew Carey took over as host of 'The Price Is Right' and hopes he’s there for life. 'I'm not going anywhere,' he told 'Entertainment Tonight' of the job he took over from longtime host Bob Barker in 2007.
Funeral today for broadcasting legend and voice of 'Hockey Night in Canada' Bob Cole
A funeral is being held today for hockey broadcasting legend Bob Cole in his hometown of St. John's, N.L.
Foreign meddling 'did not affect' overall federal election results: inquiry report
Foreign interference by China did not affect the overall results of the 2019 and 2021 general elections won by Justin Trudeau's Liberals, a federal commission of inquiry has found.