PEACHLAND – Dozens of Highway 97 drivers are feeling the financial pain after being pinched in a Central Okanagan Traffic Services enforcement campaign Thursday.
The Mounties say the results were staggering in the operation south of Peachland targeting drivers who didn’t slow down and move over when passing stopped emergency vehicles with their lights flashing.
The sting was set up about one kilometre past a traffic sign reminding motorists of the traffic law requiring them to slow to a maximum 70 kilometres per hour where the speed limit is 80 or over.
During a two hour period, sixty $173 violation tickets were handed out.
“The compliance rate with this law appears to be an issue,” says Cst. Chris Neid in a news release. “A law that is of course very near and dear to our hearts as emergency personnel. It contributes to our safety when working roadside and ultimately keeps us going home to our families at the end of our shifts.”
BC’s slow down and move over law took effect in 2009.
In 2015, it was expanded to include yellow flashing lights used by road maintenance crews, garbage collectors and utility workers.