COMOX, B.C.- The RCMP is standing firm on its decision to shut down the Comox Valley Christmas trucks.
The annual tradition sees businesses decorating their vehicles with Christmas lights.
Last Friday, one of the trucks was pulled over by an RCMP officer. The driver was told that the lights were distracting and was issued a warning.
According to RCMP Constable Rob Gardner, the distracting lights are a violation of the Motor Vehicle Act.
At Wednesday night’s Comox council meeting, RCMP Inspector Tim Walton stood by the detachment’s decision, after owners of the holiday trucks raised a number of questions over the past few days.
“I think that it’s just a case where you could give them a call, or they phone you, a solution would probably be the best way,” said Comox councillor Ken Grant.
“We have had direct contact with some of the people and a couple of the drivers in particular,” Inspector Walton said.
“Beyond that, it would be inappropriate for me to discuss operational matters where there is enforcement of the Motor Vehicle Act.”
Walton added that, “we cannot give permission to anybody to operate a vehicle equipped with the lights. That’s a public message I won’t waver from.”
Erin Kaetler, who owns one of the holiday trucks, submitted a letter to council.
The letter stated that owners of the trucks “understand that officers have a job to do and (we) fully respect their concern with the lights on the busy main roads.”
Owners asked that trucks be allowed to drive through quiet neighborhoods in first gear (approx. 10 km/hr) for the next ten days leading up to Christmas.
The Comox Valley RCMP has yet to respond to this request.
