Vancouver traffic: George Massey Tunnel blocked by protest & More Trending News

A Metro Vancouver tunnel and a bridge had been blocked by protesters throughout Monday’s morning commute, resulting in a number of arrests.

Members of Save Old Growth, a bunch behind different traffic-disrupting protests in current months, introduced it will block the north entrance of the George Massey Tunnel Monday, halting southbound visitors.

B.C.’s Transportation Ministry confirmed the tunnel was blocked at about 7:15 a.m., saying drivers ought to “expect heavy delays and congestion.”

Richmond RCMP stated three individuals had been sitting on Highway 99 and one particular person was “perched on a platform ladder” when officers arrived. All 4 had been arrested, and one particular person was discovered to be breaching circumstances from a previous protest, Mounties stated.

“We respect the rights of individuals for lawful, peaceful and safe protests, however when blocking a major highway is neither lawful or safe, the police need to mitigate the circumstances. Police are mandated to assuring public safety and the safety of everyone including the protestors,” Insp. Mark Baxter stated in a information launch.

Members of the group additionally blocked visitors on the Second Narrows Bridge Monday morning. At about 7:30 a.m., police had been within the space eradicating protesters from the crossing and 5 individuals had been ultimately arrested. Police stated 4 autos had been seized as properly.

“Unlawful protests that clog vital pieces of infrastructure put peoples’ safety at risk,” Sgt. Steve Addison stated in a information launch. “While we support everyone’s right to lawfully assemble and peacefully express their views, the Vancouver Police Department will continue to work proactively to prevent illegal protests and allow people to safely move around the region.”

By 9 a.m., protesters had been cleared from each the Massey Tunnel and the Second Narrows.

Save Old Growth stated it took a six-week break to recruit and practice extra protesters, including it is resuming a collection of blockades on highways and bridges throughout Metro Vancouver and on Vancouver Island.

The group is asking for an finish to logging of previous progress forests in British Columbia by way of legislative modifications.

“They might not like our tactics, but they want to save old growth,” stated protester Sam Nguyen concerning the impacts the demonstrations are having on commuters.

“We’ve tried petitions, we’ve tried to talk to MLAs, it’s been 30 years, nothing’s happened … we don’t want to be on the roads. We don’t want to be stopping these people going to work.”

A gaggle of counter-protesters, referred to as Clear the Road, accused Save Old Growth of holding commuters hostage and plans to launch a class-action lawsuit in opposition to them.

“I’m very concerned that their actions are just going to escalate and escalate to the point that it is even more dangerous for commuters and for RCMP,” stated Clear the Road organizer Tamara Meggit.

“Anybody who has been affected by these (protests), anybody who has lost shifts at work or anything like that, let us know your story. We are looking to document and a class action lawsuit will be in discussions with law firms.” 

This is a creating story. Check again for updates.

With information from CTV News Vancouver’s Shannon Paterson and Regan Hasegawa  

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