Belleville police laid more than 160 charges as the service focused on safe driving during Canada Road Safety Week.
During the campaign from May 12 to 18, Belleville police made a fulsome effort to promote safe driving, resulting in:
· Charges laid: 166
· Warnings issued: 40
· Speeding: 77
· Cell phone use: 17
Highlights of local enforcement activities include:
· Speed Enforcement on Dundas Street: Officers dedicated four hours over two days focusing on high-speed.
· Cell Phone Enforcement and Education: Officers spent four hours over two days educating and enforcing rules on handheld communication devices. In Ontario, it is an offence to have a handheld communication device in your hand while driving, regardless of the circumstances. If you are stopped at a traffic light, you are still driving. The penalties begin with a fine of $615, three demerit points and, upon conviction, an automatic driver’s licence suspension.
· RIDE Programs with Mandatory Alcohol Screening: Officers conducted two RIDE programs targeting impaired driving. These checks led to two drivers facing criminal charges. The checkpoint on Saturday, May 16, found three drivers with positive alcohol readings in 31 vehicles checked.
