RCMP helps keep BC Ferries passengers out of enclosed decks

RCMP officials will be among some from Friday BC Ferries Ships that help “create awareness for passengers” and enforce federal transportation rules.

Transport Canada prevents passengers from being kept in their vehicles. This provision does not apply to open vehicle decks.

The federal agency issued an exemption in March to curb the spread COVID-19, But re-established in September.

1:59Longford Mayor wants BC Ferries to allow passengers to stay in their vehicles

The RCMP said on Friday that Transport Canada and BC Ferries had sought the help of authorities to operate “joint on-board ‘walkboats’ and enforce regulation.

“It is not safe for passengers to be in a vehicle on an enclosed vehicle deck while a ferry is operating and is internationally prohibited,” police said in a media statement.

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“If necessary, Transport Canada may issue an administrative fine for non-compliant passengers.”

Such fines range from $ 600 to 000 to 12,000.

Read more: Coronavirus: BC Ferries allow passengers to stay in cars on all decks during sailing

BC Ferries spokeswoman Deborah Marshall said Mounties would receive passenger information if requested by Transport Canada during random consent checks.

“Because BC Ferries is not an operating company, it is Canada’s role in transportation,” she said.

BC Ferries understood that customers were leaving their cars during the epidemic. However, we must comply with Canada regulations on transportation. ”

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