Increase in traffic comes while COVID restrictions remain in place across B.C.

VANCOUVER (NEWS 1130) — More and more people have been driving over the last few weeks, despite COVID-19 restrictions still in place.

The provincial statistics showcase volume at the Port Mann dropped by more than 40 per cent in late March, compared to the same week last year.

But, that bridge and other crossings around Metro Vancouver have all seen increases since then.

Pattullo Bridge

Traffic compared to same week in 2019

•down 45% (Mar 23 – 27)
•down 37% (Mar 30 – Apr 2)
•down 35% (Apr 6 – Apr 9)

Source: B.C. Ministry of Transportation pic.twitter.com/MMbrLAqnMa

— Tim James (@_TimJames) April 27, 2020

Highway 99 near Whistler

Traffic compared to same week in 2019

•down 64% (Mar 23 – Mar 27)
•down 58% (Mar 30 – Apr 2)
•down 50% (Apr 6 – Apr 9)

Source: B.C. Ministry of Transportation pic.twitter.com/Q7jTX4oV9K

— Tim James (@_TimJames) April 27, 2020

Darren Grieve, with NEWS 1130’s Craftsman Collision Air Patrol says he’s noticed more drivers out there.

“I don’t know if they are getting frustrated with being at home or what it is but I’m starting to see that volume get a little bit bigger almost every day over the last couple of weeks or so,” he says.

The Province says traffic has also been increasing on the Sea-to-Sky Highway. In late March volume was down 54 per cent from the previous year. The drop is now just 37 per cent.

Ed Ashley with Danfoss Couriers adds it’s not that rush hour is back to normal, there is more volume throughout the day now but it’s not concentrated volume.

Late March, volume at the Massey Tunnel saw a nearly 50 per cent reduction as well.

The data from the Province spans mid-March until April 9, so it’s tough to tell if more people have been driving later in April.

Gary Moran, a dispatcher with Busters Towing adds with the increase in traffic, he’s witnessed a rise in car accidents.

“The number of jobs completed every day, slightly increased,” Moran says.

Here’s what NEWS 1130 listeners are telling us:

“I used to be able to do a hundred on the freeway, not a problem and now it’s down to ninety simply because of the congestion and that’s been over the last week and a bit”

“We just drive around, we miss seeing people. I’ll drive around thinking, what do I do now? I think I’ll go through the drive-thru for an ice cream ”

“I’ve noticed an increase in traffic, especially aggressive drivers. A lot of people are speeding, just gunning it through. Maybe they’re uptight and taking it out on their gas pedal. It’s just not right. Really really bad.”