With the Victoria Day long weekend quickly approaching, Surrey RCMP is advising the public to plan ahead, monitor border line ups, and be prepared for lengthy wait times at border crossings.
On the Easter long weekend, police received in excess of 100 calls from the public, including people calling 911 to complain about border wait times and traffic congestion near the Pacific Highway Border Crossing. These calls significantly tied up police resources, and is not an appropriate use of 911.
If you plan on travelling to the US through one of Surrey’s land borders, ensure you are checking border wait times and traffic conditions before departing. If possible, plan your travel for off peak days and times. Be prepared that you may have to wait in the line up for a long time.
Drivers utilizing the Pacific Highway Border crossing should remain on main roads and highways, specifically 176 Street and 8 Avenue to access the crossing. Be courteous and do not attempt to take short cuts through residential neighborhoods or block access to side streets while waiting in line.
Surrey RCMP has engaged the City of Surrey and Surrey Bylaws and has recommended increased signage and traffic flaggers in the area to help mitigate the traffic congestion.
We recognize the frustrations of community members who reside near the border crossing who had access to their own homes or businesses limited by border traffic over the last long weekend,
says Surrey RCMP Media relations Officer Corporal Vanessa Munn. We encourage travelers to be proactive if their plans include crossing the border, be prepared to wait, and do not call police to complain about the wait times.
