With all of the work going on along the Trans-Canada highway through the Lower Mainland, you’ve probably noticed signs warning you to slow down or risk paying double for traffic tickets.
However, it turns out it’s not true. There are no laws in British Columbia that mandate a double fine and no one seems to know who is responsible for the signage.
The B.C. Flaggers Association is incensed over the “double fine” signs. To protect flaggers and motorists, the association says fines should be doubled.
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The slogan “Obey the fine, or pay double the fine,” is even repeated on the B.C. Ministry of Transportation website.
Diane Herback of the B.C. Flaggers Association says the association wants the government to make the untrue statement plastered on signs all over the province, true.
Currently, a regular speeding ticket will cost you $138. In a construction zone, the fine jumps to $196 – a 42 per cent increase. If the fines were actually doubled as the signs say, the fine would be $276.
It’s the second time in two months that the provincial government has been caught warning of phony fines.
Recently it was learned that tickets from Transit Police are unenforceable.
Transportation Minister Blair Lekstrom said at the time that the government would move as quickly as possible to close the loophole. Now the minister says he will work with the Attorney-General on the “double the fine” sign issue.
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