Ridge Meadows RCMP officers broke out their radar guns and their iconic Stetson hats for traffic enforcement on the Lougheed Highway last week.
And they're not done, as a busy long weekend approaches.
The detachment's Road Safety Target Team (RSTT), in response to community concerns, conducted traffic enforcement along the Lougheed corridor, which resulted in numerous violations being issued. In total, 66 violation tickets were handed out, including excessive speed (more than 40 km/h over the speed limit), no insurance, and driving without a driver’s licence.
The fine for excessive speeding is $368, and three penalty points on the driving record. The driver's vehicle could also be impounded for seven days. Exceeding the speed limit by more than 60 km/h increases the fine to $483, with impound times of up to 60 days for repeat offences.
The road safety team was working in support of a speed campaign taking place across the province.
Officers will be out all month during this campaign. This long weekend, be aware that there may be extra traffic on the roadways enjoying our beautiful outdoor recreational areas, advises the RCMP, warning drivers to slow down, be attentive, and follow posted speed limits.
Speed is a top contributing factor in crashes over the Victoria Day long weekend, with an average of four people killed and 575 people injured in crashes in B.C., according to ICBC
“As we look forward to the start of long weekend road trips and summer vacations, we want everyone travelling on our roads this season to stay safe,” said Kathleen Nadalin, ICBC’s road safety program manager.
“Do your part by driving at a safe speed and leaving enough following distance to reduce your risk of crashing, and help keep motorcyclists, pedestrians and cyclists who share our roads safe.”
Police noted that during their enforcement the RCMP Stetson was "out in full force for this operation, for extra visibility and to protect our officers from the sun."
