Tickets, Multiple Warnings Issued After “Honking” Protest

Date: Thursday, July 14, 2022

File: 22-26426

Victoria, BC – A VicPD Traffic officer issued Motor Vehicle Act tickets after giving several warnings as both VicPD Traffic and Patrol officers responded to a vehicle-born “honking” protest today.

Just after 12 p.m. today, VicPD Traffic and Patrol officers responded to calls that a group of vehicles was in the BC Legislature area as part of a protest gathering. The group of approximately 20 vehicles was engaged in a “slow-roll” blockade and were using vehicle horns, modified air horns, and amplified speakers mounted to their vehicles all of which had a significant and unlawful impact on residents and businesses in James Bay and the B.C. Legislature area.

Supported by Patrol officers, a VicPD Traffic officer on a motorcycle engaged the operator of each vehicle in the group and issued a warning and reminder about safe, peaceful and lawful protest. After each vehicle operator was spoken to, the honking and reports of disturbance in the BC Legislature area stopped. Once the vehicles associated with the protest left the area, officers returned to their regular duties.

A short time later, the same VicPD Traffic officer was in the 2500-block of Blanshard Street for an unrelated matter when he observed several of the same vehicles circling the block, honking and using amplified speakers to target a nearby business. Having already engaged in de-escalation and given warnings, the VicPD Traffic officer began pulling vehicles over and issuing tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act. In short order, the unlawful activity ceased.

Two drivers were issued significant tickets under the Motor Vehicle Act which will incur both fines and penalty points.

VicPD supports safe, peaceful and lawful protest. Dangerous and/or unsafe activity will continue to be met with de-escalation and enforcement.

 

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