Driver’s vehicle impounded for excessive speeding through Vancouver Island wildfire zone

A Vancouver Island woman has lost her vehicle for at least a week after she was nabbed travelling over double the speed limit in a construction zone this week.

The incident took place near the Cameron Lakes Bluffs wildfire area in Qualicum at around 7 p.m. on July 3rd.

BC Highway Patrol were conducting speed enforcement in a marked construction zone on Highway 4 when they encountered the driver.

The stretch of highway where the incident occurred had been closed due to the ongoing wildfires but was recently reopened as a construction zone with single-lane alternating traffic.

Repair work was being carried out by crews to ensure the safety and restoration of the affected area after wildfires ravaged the area.

According to the BC Highway Patrol officer involved in the incident, a white Lexus SUV was observed traveling at an excessively high rate of speed, surpassing two travel trailers on the road.

The officer determined that the vehicle was traveling at a staggering 127 km/h, while the posted speed limit in the construction zone was 60 km/h.

The driver, a woman in her 40s from Vancouver Island, was charged with excessive speeding under the BC Motor Vehicle Act and her vehicle was impounded for one week.

“Highway construction workers have a dangerous job,” said Staff Sgt. Adam Tallboy, acting OIC of BCHP Vancouver Island.

“Construction zones have a reduced speed limit for a reason, and these speed limits can be in effect day or night, regardless of whether or not workers are visible. While we understand that it may be frustrating to wait in alternating traffic queues, we ask that motorists exhibit patience as these workers deserve to go home safely to their families after their shift like everyone else.”