Flaggers threaten Metro Vancouver bridge shutdown over hit and run

The co-founder of a group representing B.C. traffic flaggers is threatening to shut down three major Metro Vancouver bridges if the driver in a recent hit and run isn’t charged.

This comes two weeks after a Surrey woman was recorded on video striking a flagger in Burnaby before driving off.

She was later arrested, after allegedly hitting another flagger and assaulting two children.

But BC Flagging Association co-founder Diane Herback claims the association has learned there will be no charges against the driver involved.

She said if that turns out to be the case, flaggers will take matters into their own hands and stage a protest on the Alex Fraser, Pattullo, and Port Mann bridges.

“Fifteen minutes of each bridge being shut down at rush hour in the morning, can you imagine the chaos,” Herback said.

Get daily National news

Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day.

Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

“Then maybe the public will think about it, we don’t really care at this point, we’re just trying to save our lives and get our point across. It’s scary out there.”

CKNW has requested comment from the prosecution service, but has not verified whether or not the driver will be charged.

Tammy Sampson, another flagging association co-founder said Herback doesn’t speak for the group.

She said she’s concerned any such shutdown would result in backlash against traffic flaggers.

WATCH: Disturbing video of a B.C. flagger being hit leads to an arrest

1:49 Disturbing video of a B.C. flagger being hit leads to an arrest

Herback said the action is necessary because, despite the daily danger flaggers face, the public is not taking their safety seriously.

“I am so sick of it because there’s so many flaggers that get hit, and not all of it is the car’s fault, absolutely it’s not always the public’s fault, but a lot of the times it is the public’s fault,” she said.

Herback said the association feels drivers are often let off with a slap on the wrist, while a flagger may end up dead.

She said the association is giving Crown until 1 p.m. on Tuesday to say whether charges will be laid before it prepares to take action.

The flagger in the June hit and run was seriously injured but is recovering.