Editor’s note: The Calgary Police Service has since corrected their speeding ticket data citing a clerical error. Click here to read the updated speeding ticket numbers.
The number of speeding tickets issued in Calgary construction zones has increased by at least 1,300 per cent since last year, according to Calgary police statistics released to Global News on Tuesday.
A total of 76,390 speeding violation tickets in construction zones — with and without workers present — were issued between January and June 2018.
It’s 14 times the amount of tickets compared to last year when 5,233 speeding ticket violations were issued in Calgary construction zones from January to June.
“And then with construction zones that actually have workers present, we’re a little over 36,000.”
Calgary police said they understand construction can be frustrating for drivers but added that the amount of tickets issued was surprising.
“We’ve got to slow down people,” Moriarity said. “I mean it’s all about safety out there.”
WATCH: A group of Calgary councillors are pushing for drivers to ease off the gas pedal and slow down on residential roads. The city is set to debate dropping the speed limit from 50 km/h to 30 km/h. Blake Lough reports.
In terms of signage, police said they’re not in charge of putting the speed limit and construction signs out.
“When a construction zone is set up, it goes through the City of Calgary. They have a crew that goes out, places signs when they’re requested for these construction zones,” Moriarity said.
“So as far as clarity, certainly we’ve seen some areas where the signs could have a little more clarification than others. That could be something that needs to be addressed with the City of Calgary to make sure that the clarification on those signs makes sense to those drivers that are out.”
The City of Calgary did not return Global News’ request for comment.