The Government of B.C. is moving to make life easier for commercial truck drivers by funding the installation of portable toilets at several commercial vehicle pull-outs, inspection stations and chain-up locations throughout the province.
According to a news release from the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure, "commercial truck drivers play an important role in maintaining the supply chain by delivering essential goods during the COVID-19 pandemic. The drivers ensure people around the province continue to have access to the items they need, including food and medicine. This is why it is crucial that commercial truck drivers have safe and clean facilities."
Truckers have been struggling to find washrooms and restaurants due to widespread pandemic closures.
Installation of the portable toilets began this past weekend and is expected to be completed over the coming weeks.
Approximately 20 portable toilets have been installed at commercial pull-outs and inspection stations, and the province will look at adding additional ones in the coming weeks.
The Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure is also keeping all rest areas open during the outbreak and maintenance contractors will be working to keep the facilities clean and well supplied.
Members of the BC Trucking Association have spearheaded the Meals for Truck Drivers BC pilot, setting up food trucks at various commercial cardlocks throughout the province.
Some restaurants such as Tim Hortons have reopened many locations along Canadian highways for take-out and restroom use for commercial drivers.
- with files from Rob Gibson, Castanet
