Numerous violations during RCMP school zone traffic enforcement blitz

The Mounties handed out a “significant amount” of violations during traffic enforcement in local school zones.

From Sept. 4-18 for the start of the new school year, police handed out the following violations:

Speed in School Zone: 154

Other Speeding: 27

Excessive Speed: 3

Occupant Restraints: 2

Distracted Driving: 4

Other Violations: 26

Impaired Drivers: 2

Vehicle Impounds: 5

One driver was stopped for travelling 110 km/hr in a 30 km/hr school zone.

“He received a violation ticket for $483 and his vehicle was impounded for 7 days,” said Sergeant Charles Witwicki of the Municipal Traffic Section.

RCMP volunteers with the Citizens on Patrol Program also conducted Speed Watch throughout several school zones. They observed 1,258 vehicles and found 423 motorists travelling over the posted 30 km/hr school zone.

“Thirty-three per cent of vehicles observed by our RCMP volunteers this year during the Back to School campaign were exceeding the posted 30 km/hr school zone, which is concerning,” says Mike Burt, the program coordinator.

“Of more concern is that RCMP volunteers recorded multiple vehicles speeding excessively over the 30 km/hr posted speed limit. Had officers been present, it may have led to more vehicles being impounded,” said Burt.

Those drivers not stopped by RCMP officers may receive a warning letter in the mail from the Community Policing Section, explaining the offence(s) observed and potential penalty.

Enforcement officers from Commercial Vehicle Safety and Enforcement (CVSE) also participated in the Back to School campaign with Prince George RCMP officers. Two commercial trucks were impounded for excessive speed. “One of the commercial trucks was impounded after a CVSE officer observed it travelling at 101 km/hr in a 30 km/hr school zone,” says RCMP spokesperson Corporal Sonja Blom.

With school back in session, the Prince George RCMP would like to remind all motorists to remain diligent and obey the speed limit in school zones; these are in effect Monday to Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.