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A focused patrol effort along Old Hwy. 2 between RCAF Road in Quinte West and the east side of Belleville has resulted in more than 300 charges being laid.
The joint patrol effort by Quinte West OPP and the Belleville Police Service throughout July resulted in a combined total of 326 tickets being dished out, police have now announced.
“The majority of the tickets were for speeding, with two people being required to appear in court for stunt driving (excessive speed) on Dundas Street West in Belleville,” reported OPP. “Tickets were also issued for cellphone use, failing to wear seatbelts and for having cannabis readily available to driver.”
Fines and warnings were also issued related to drivers not having proper documentation for vehicles and other violations, such as failing to move over for emergency vehicles and issues like illegal tints on windows.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility,” stressed acting staff Sgt. John Vis with Quinte West OPP, while adding that officers will continue working with area partners to ensure those who put their own safety – and the safety of others – in jeopardy are held accountable.
Focused patrol efforts help with data to determine crime and traffic trends and with the information gathered, police are better able to determine where and when resources should be deployed, explained OPP.
For this effort, the analysis showed that speeds are high, and drivers appear distracted during commute hours on weekdays.
In July, the Ontario Ministry of Transportation also joined the fray for commercial vehicle inspections, which led to several drivers receiving fines and vehicles being removed from the road.
“The goal of any traffic enforcement initiative is increased community safety,” said Belleville Police Service Insp. Jeremy Ashley. “Everyone plays a part in keeping our roads safe.
“These laws are in place to protect you and those around you, and we’ll continue working with our partners to promote accountability and improve overall road safety,” echoed Ashley.
(Written by: Sarah Hyatt)
