Officers conducted High Level Bridge traffic enforcement last night (Sept. 1, 2016) and 25 speeding vehicles were stopped – four were travelling at least 54 km/h over the 50 km/h speed limit, including two vehicles recorded at 118 km/h. One motorcycle noise violation and ten distracted driving tickets were issued.
“The speeds we’re seeing on the bridge are alarming,” says Sgt. Kerry Bates, EPS Traffic Safety Coordinator. “We’re responding weekly to reports of vehicles driving dangerously and motorcycle racing – citizens need to slow down.”
The EPS also conducted High Level Bridge traffic enforcement late Monday night (Aug. 29, 2016) and 25 speed violations were handed out in two hours. Four motorists were clocked travelling more than double the limit; one vehicle was recorded at 119 km/h. Twenty-one additional tickets were issued for speed violations between 70-89 km/h.
Late-night enforcement on Aug. 18, 2016 resulted in 32 speeding infractions on the High Level Bridge, four of which were issued for speeds at least 50 km/h over the limit.
The ongoing enforcement efforts stem from police and community concerns regarding speeding, careless driving and noise on the High Level Bridge and surrounding area.
These unsafe driving practices are not exclusive to the High Level; the Edmonton Police Service frequently responds to high flyers on the James MacDonald Bridge. Downtown Division traffic officers stopped a Mitsubishi Lancer on Aug. 20, 2016 after the vehicle was recorded at 131 km/h in the 60 km/h zone. Another motorist was issued a mandatory court appearance for travelling 54 km/h over the speed limit on Aug. 24, 2016.
“These high speeds create dangerous situations for drivers, passengers, cyclists and pedestrians. Downtown residents have also voiced concerns about unnecessary noise in the community caused by speeding and racing cars and motorcycles,” says Sgt. Phil Cutting with Downtown Division.
“Our downtown traffic officers are focusing enforcement on curtailing these dangerous driving practices and noise violations, but we need motorists to take responsibility for their actions behind the wheel.”
Those who choose to speed may face greater consequences than a ticket; recently, the EPS Major Collision Investigation Unit laid a criminal charge of dangerous driving against a motorist who was recorded travelling 196 km/h along the Sherwood Park Freeway near 50 Street.
“It’s not complicated,” adds Sgt. Bates. “We’re asking the public to put safety first and drive with consideration for others.”
As the Labour Day long weekend approaches, the Edmonton Police Service reminds motorists to always make safety top priority on city streets:
- Don’t speed. Drive for the road and weather conditions.
- Never drive impaired.
- Remove all distractions while driving.
- Always wear a seatbelt.
- Avoid driving when drowsy. Take frequent breaks on long trips.
- Leave a safe distance between vehicles.
- Drive defensively and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
Citizens with traffic concerns are asked to contact the EPS at 780-423-4567 or #377 from a mobile phone.
from Media Releases http://ift.tt/2c0x1sU
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