More than 250 tickets issued during RCMP long weekend traffic campaign in Okanagan

RCMP officers handed out more than 250 tickets to drivers in the North and Central Okanagan during a traffic safety initiative over the Victoria Day long weekend.

Officers were aiming enforcement actions at aggressive drivers and conducting enforcement activities with the aim of improving safety on Okanagan roadways, according to RCMP media releases.

The B.C. Highway Patrol recorded 165 speed related offences, 16 distracted driving charges, 14 seat belt violations as well as conducting nine impaired driving related investigations and three prohibited driving investigations between Saturday, May 22, and Monday, May 24, in the North Okanagan.

"Overall, it was a successful road safety weekend in the North Okanagan," BC Highway Patrol Sgt. Allan Roberts said in a release. "The current travel restrictions played a significant role in the reduced activity on our roadways I’m sure."

In the Central Okanagan, the West Kelowna RCMP Community Safety unit ran a two-day joint effort along with West Kelowna RCMP and B.C. Highway Patrol on Highway 97C as part of the May long weekend safety initiatives. Speed enforcement and commercial vehicle inspection checks were also undertaken from May 20 to May 21 near the Paradise Valley brake check on Highway 97C.

Officers issued 17 warnings and 60 tickets to drivers for various violations of the motor vehicle act, including 11 for excessive speed, and two for driving without due care and consideration.

While conducting a commercial vehicle check, an officer demanded a breath test from the 45-year-old driver of a semi-truck. The Alberta man failed the breathalyzer and was issued an immediate 90 day roadside prohibition, in addition to having his vehicle impounded for 30 days.

"Long weekends are notorious for being deadly in terms of our roads and highways. This initiative was a great step in ensuring the safety of the motoring public in our area," West Kelowna RCMP Community Safety Unit Cpl. Bryan Mulrooney said in a release.

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