Traffic-fine loot helps fund state-of-art emergency vehicle in Saanich, B.C.

VICTORIA – Loot collected from traffic fines imposed on speeding motorists has helped pay for a state-of-the-art, emergency-command vehicle for the District of Saanich.

The shiny, new emergency-command vehicle that resembles a luxury motorhome was on display at the legislature, complete with flashing lights.

Saanich Mayor Frank Leonard cheered on the government’s traffic-fine, revenue-sharing program that raised $750,000 of the $970,000 to purchase the vehicle.

He says the mobile emergency centre allows the police and fire department in the suburban Victoria community to respond quickly and communicate more efficiently in emergencies.

Since 2013, the traffic-fine, revenue-sharing program has returned $31.1 million to local governments.

Attorney General Suzanne Anton says traffic-fine revenues have permitted Saanich to develop leading-edge response capabilities.