Dead man's father campaigns for gas attendant safety

The father of the young gas attendant killed last year has renewed his calls for a provincial law to force gas stations to establish pre-pay systems.

Doug De Patie is speaking out following the weekend incident in Surrey that saw a young attendant injured when he tried to stop a driver from getting away without paying.

• RELATED STORY: Attendant run down by 'gas and dash' driver

De Patie's son, Grant, was dragged to his death in Maple Ridge last year when he tried to stop the driver of a car who had pumped $12.30 worth of gas.

• FROM APRIL 20, 2006: Teen driver 'deeply sorry' for killing gas attendant

In this latest case, a gas jockey ran after a driver, who then turned back and drove right into him. The attendant was thrown up onto the windshield of the mini-van, but suffered only minor injuries.

Gas station attendant Grant De Patie was dragged more then seven kilometres to his death. (CBC)

"There are so many gas and dashes every day, not to take immediate action is ridiculous."

Minister promises action, but Opposition skeptical

Meanwhile, Labour Minister Mike de Jong has promised regulations or stepped-up enforcement as soon as possible to curb the problem.

"The real question is whether at not at certain points of the day, or more particularly at night, there should be a requirement to pre-pay or pay at the pump," said the minister.

But NDP labour critic Chuck Puchmayr is critical of the government's lack of action. He said what's needed is legislation, not more regulations or self-enforcement by the industry. He's also not counting on WorkSafe BC to enforce the rules.

"They talk about doing greater enforcement, but with the reduction in regulations and the reduction in enforcement officers, the chances of having an inspection on your site are probably one in 20 years."

• INTERVIEW: B.C. Almanac's Susan McNamee speaks with Doug De Patie.