UPDATE: DriveBC warns of delays on Hwy 1 due to Carbon Tax protestors

(UPDATE: April 1 @ 11:30 am) – DriveBC is advising motorists to expect delays west of Hope due to a group of protesters near a weigh scale in the area.

The group is reportedly on the westbound side of the highway at Hunter Creek.

“Expect delays. Right lane closed. Please slow down and watch for pedestrians on the shoulder.,” says DriveBC.

The group is believed to part of the group protesting the Carbon Tax increase which went into effect on Monday, April 1.

Another update from DriveBC is expected at 1 pm.

(April 1 @ 9:45 am) – Planned protests in the Lower Mainland and Interior could cause disruptions on three major BC highways.

According to Emil Anderson, a maintenance company in the Fraser Valley, a planned protest is expected to happen on Monday, April 1.

The “public demonstration” is said to have started at 9 am and will end near the Highway 3 and Highway 5 junction.

Emil Anderson says the information they have about the event is “thin and vague,” however, they are warning motorists of potential disruptions and delays on highways 1, 3 and 5.

It is believed that people are protesting the increase to the Carbon Tax, which goes into effect April 1.

According to several posts circulating social media groups like the Coquihalla Road Reports Facebook group and comments on Emil Anderson’s post, the protest group has called it the “BC Provincial Convoy.”

There are protests happening in Kelowna, Kamloops, Merritt and Langley. They are all meant to meet up at exit 168 outside of Hope.

“We trust that any public gatherings will be carried out peacefully, as is usually the case,” the post from Emil Anderson says.

“As we receive additional information, we will aim to keep you updated on the situation as promptly as possible.”

People are advised to take an alternative route or allow for additional travel time for any potential delays as a precautionary measure, the statement adds.

NowMedia has reached out to the BC Highway Patrol for comment, however, a spokesperson referred us to keep an eye on DriveBC.

If anything notable happens, we will provide an update through this story.

Thumbnail photo credit: Google