Police crack down on drivers who use the shoulder

WINNIPEG — With schools and universities back in session, the easy summer driving season is over.

That’s meant delays and frustration on the roads. Some drivers are taking shortcuts that aren’t completely legal.

“I don’t think anybody should be that much in a hurry that they have to bypass everyone else who are waiting their turn,” said Barbara Drouin, who drives along Bishop Grandin Boulevard frequently.

Several people have complained to the Winnipeg Police Service about people driving on the paved shoulder along Bishop Grandin to bypass bumper-to-bumper traffic.

That prompted officers to do some targeted traffic enforcement Tuesday morning.

“There was only two officers assigned to write the offence notices and we could not keep up with the volume of infractions occurring at that location,” said Const. Jeffrey Norman, with the Winnipeg Police Service.

Within an hour, police handed out 15 tickets. Each one costs $175 and carries two demerits.

“The shoulder is used for a safe place for people to pull over if they have an emergency, or emergency vehicles,” said Liz Peters, with Canadian Automobile Association. “That is what it is intended for.”

Norman said officers will be back until drivers get that message.