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Rolling convoy driver’s truck impounded after failed attempt to cut through Victoria park

Driver, fined $600, had previously tried to access restricted zone before getting stuck, police say
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A driver trying to roll through a Beacon Hill Park field March 19 in an apparent attempt to gain access to a restricted area patrolled by police to keep vaccine mandate protesters from setting up, was fined $600. (Photo courtesy of VicPD)

A pickup truck with a snowmobile in its bed was impounded on Saturday after it got stuck while the driver tried to drive through a Beacon Hill Park field.

Victoria police limited vehicle access to James Bay the morning of March 19 as another rolling protest against COVID-19 measures was set to descend on the area near the B.C. legislature.

While residents of James Bay were allowed into the area, protesters and others were invited to park outside what police called a local access area and walk, bike or bus to the legislature and other neighbourhood spots.

A driver of a pickup truck claiming to be a James Bay resident tried to enter the area at an access point at Cook Street and Dallas Road. After the driver was turned away by officers, police were notified that the truck was trying to cross a field in Beacon Hill Park when it got stuck.

Officers learned the truck – sporting multiple Canadian flags and a “Fight for Freedom” sign – had previously been issued a notice and order for a defect that needed an immediate remedy. The truck’s plates were seized and it was towed to an impound lot, police said. The driver was issued a $600 fine.

READ: VicPD announce controlled access to James Bay in preparation for rallies

VicPD was still enforcing the local access area as of Monday. Police said officers had spoken with several non-local drivers who tried to access the James Bay area on Sunday and Monday.

About 150 vehicles attempted to participate in another convoy protest near the legislature on Saturday, VicPD said. Most of those drivers parked in legal spots outside of the local access area and walked to the legislature, police said. Traffic was also temporarily halted on Saturday by a crowd of several hundred that marched down Douglas Street.


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