Regarding the recent seven-hour highway stoppage south of Parksville on Highway 19.
Regardless of all the reasons for these delays, there are several things that can be done to help the public avoid being stuck in these lineups. First, our local MLAs could lobby their provincial counterpart in the department of highways to come up with a proper long-term solution.
In addition, the RCMP could advise the local radio stations the minute there is a problem and stations could give a brief update every 15 minutes. This way, travelers can check before taking to the highway and will know when the problem has been cleared.
The police or highways department could also force traffic to turn off or turn around at the last available intersection or opening the barrier before the accident. This would allow those stuck in the lineup, who can delay their trip, to go home, or at least, go for lunch or coffee.
This isn’t brain surgery. Let’s cooperate and come up with a plan.
Bill TraceQualicum Beach
