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Road safety

RCMP remind Prince George drivers: road signs in work zones are not optional

Jul 16, 2026 | 10:00 AM

PRINCE GEORGE — Prince George RCMP and the City of Prince George are reminding motorists that road signs and traffic control measures in construction zones must be obeyed after receiving complaints about drivers ignoring detours and road closures along Southridge Avenue.

In a statement released Wednesday, police addressed a question some drivers may be asking: When is it okay to disregard a road sign? Their answer was straightforward — never.

The warning comes after flaggers working in the current Southridge Avenue construction zone reported motorists bypassing posted detours and travelling against one-way traffic in an effort to shorten their commute.

“Despite there being a detour along Dekelh Ti, drivers feel entitled to ignore the road signs in favour of going against one-way traffic to shorten their route, which puts the road crew and flaggers at risk,” said Corporal Jennifer Cooper, Media Relations Officer for Prince George RCMP.

Police say the issue extends beyond the safety of road workers.

“There is also a daycare in the middle of the closed road that is put at risk every time a driver decides to go against the posted signage and choose their own route around the work zone,” Cooper added.

The City of Prince George echoed those concerns, noting that construction season is one of the busiest times of the year for municipal crews working on roads, utilities, parks and other infrastructure projects across the community.

“The City of Prince George urges drivers to respect work zones and obey all project signage throughout the community,” said Blake McIntosh, Director of Civic Operations.

“This is an extremely busy time of year for City crews across all divisions including utilities, roads, and parks, and their work is crucial to ensuring City services are available. Please be patient with construction crews, drive slowly, and obey all direction from staff to ensure everyone makes it home safely at the end of their workday.”

The RCMP reminded motorists that traffic violations committed in active work zones can carry significant penalties.

Drivers caught travelling between 21 and 40 kilometres per hour over the posted speed limit in a work zone can face a $253 fine and three penalty points on their driving record.

Those exceeding the speed limit by more than 40 km/h face fines ranging from $368 to $483, three penalty points, and an automatic seven-day vehicle impoundment.

Meanwhile, motorists who fail to obey the directions of a flagger can receive a $196 fine and three penalty points.

Police and city officials say work zone signs, detours and traffic control measures are in place to protect everyone, including workers, pedestrians, children and motorists.