With just days to go until ballots for the upcoming transit plebiscite arrive in mailboxes around Metro Vancouver, the yes side is getting support today from Lower Mainland police and fire chiefs.
In a statement released today by the Vancouver Police Department, first responders are urging the public to vote ‘Yes’ to the planned tax increase of 0.5 per cent. They cite concerns for public safety as their main motivator.
READ MORE: How to vote in Metro Vancouver’s transit plebiscite, starting March 16
“People get hurt and trouble starts in Vancouver’s Entertainment District when the clubs close and there are limited transportation options to get people home safely,” said Vancouver Police Chief Jim Chu in a statement.
“In addition, reducing the reasons for people to drink and drive will increase safety for all of us”.
Police and fire officials say that fewer cars on the road will mean faster response times for emergency vehicles. According to VPD statistics between 2010 to 2014, priority one responses have been slower by roughly one minute on average.
“That minute can mean the difference between life and death,” adds Chief Chu. “We owe it to ourselves to get as many cars off the road as possible.”
They also said congestion leads to more accidents.
Metro Vancouver’s transit plebiscite is taking place from March 16 to May 29, 2015.
- ‘It’s nice to be the villain’: Vancouver Canucks gear up for Game 3 in Nashville
- Joffre Lakes to close for 3 periods this year under agreement with First Nations
- ‘Why aren’t we doing more?’ White Rock on edge with killer on the loose
- B.C. carjacking victim says she doesn’t trust the ‘catch-and-release’ system
Comments