2 people in truck with N.B. plates charged for entering P.E.I. illegally

Two people have been charged for failing to stop at the COVID-19 checkpoint at the Confederation Bridge after arriving in P.E.I. Saturday, police say.

According to a news release by Charlottetown police, a man and woman driving a truck with New Brunswick licence plates were located at a Charlottetown restaurant and charged. The woman was given a ticket and escorted back to New Brunswick. The man was held in custody and is facing charges of obstructing police.

There have been at least two recent incidents of motorists filming themselves crossing the bridge and flagrantly driving around barriers without stopping. The videos have been posted to social media accounts.

RCMP are warning anyone tempted to drive through the COVID-19 checkpoint at the Confederation Bridge to think twice.

Cpl. Andy Cook of East Prince RCMP said it has been an issue periodically throughout the pandemic. He said RCMP were notified by bridge personnel of a motorist failing to stop on Saturday, and they subsequently notified Charlottetown police.

Under a public health order, motorists are required by law to stop at the checkpoint upon arriving on P.E.I.

"If you don't, the police or conservation will be called and we'll take the necessary steps to deal with you," said Cook.

As of Sunday, travellers from all of the Atlantic provinces will be allowed to come to P.E.I. without having to self-isolate, as long as they have at least one dose of COVID-19 vaccine and receive a negative COVID-19 test upon arrival.

More from CBC P.E.I.