newsroom@mapleridgenews.com
More motorists are speeding through Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows and the Mounties want to put an end to it.
The incidents of excessive speeding by lead-footed motorists has more than doubled when compared to 2014, the Ridge Meadows detachment said in a release.
So far this year, 242 drivers have been charged for excessive speed, meaning they going more than 40 km/h over the speed limit.
That compares to 104 charges in 2014.
Under the Immediate Roadside Prohibition program, drivers traveling 40 km/h over the speed limit will have their vehicles immediately impounded.
This means a seven-day vehicle lockup, along with a fine of between $368 and $483.
“Unfortunately, it seems that we need to remind people regularly that certain actions can have deadly consequences – excessive speed is a factor that dramatically increases the likelihood of being in a collision,” Cpl. Brenda Winpenny said in a release.
“There is simply no excuse for this behaviour as it put the lives of everyone using our roads at risk.”
According to ICBC statistics, speed is still one of the leading causes of crashes.
The danger is magnified during the winter with vehicles, pedestrians, and cyclists being harder to see, and sometimes icy conditions.
Police also say the number of motor-vehicle fatalities has jumped from two last year to 10 this year.
Two arrested
Ridge Meadows RCMP arrested a 28-year-old Langley man after finding him in a stolen vehicle Tuesday night.
Police located the stolen Nissan parked behind businesses in the 11400 block of Kingston Street.
The vehicle had been reported stolen to Surrey RCMP on Friday Dec. 11.
“Members of the Lower Mainland Integrated Emergency Response Team located a suspicious vehicle parked in the Maple Ridge industrial area around 11 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 15,” said Winpenny, police spokesperson.
“It was quickly learned the vehicle had been reported stolen, and the two occupants, a male and a female, were taken into custody without incident. Through the investigation it was learned the 24-year-old female was not involved in the theft or possession of the vehicle, and was released.”
The male suspect was held for a first court appearance on Wednesday, Dec. 16, 2015.
Auxiliaries sought
Ridge Meadows RCMP are looking for community-minded people who are interested in public safety and crime prevention.
The RCMP Auxiliary program is a great fit for citizens who have time to volunteer and want to learn about policing in a city environment,” Winpenny said.
“Ridge Meadows RCMP have a unique opportunity for local citizens. Our detachment is teaming with Coquitlam RCMP, and are training a class of auxiliary constables in early 2016. We are actively recruiting volunteers for this class, which is scheduled to start on Tuesday, Feb. 2.
“This training consists of more than 160 hours of classes, where you will received instruction in law, the courts, policing, crime prevention, and much more.”
“If you are over the age of 19, possess a valid Class 5 driver’s license, and are able to pass a RCMP reliability security clearance, this may be a great fit for you.”
RCMP Supt. Dave Fleugel added: “Our auxiliary constable program is an integral part of our crime prevention and community policing initiatives and these community volunteers have our deepest respect. This type of volunteer work can be challenging at times, but these incredible volunteers have found the program to be a very rewarding experience. Auxiliary constables consistently make an meaningful contribution to towards community safety in Maple Ridge and Pitt Meadows.”
• Anyone who is interested in applying can contact our volunteer services supervisor Charlene Hargreaves at 604-467-7644 or e-mail chargreaves@mapleridge.ca.