Local traffic police say they are troubled by high speeds they have observed on West Kootenay highways.
Over the long weekend, they impounded seven vehicles for travelling 40 km/h or more over the speed limit. They were impounded for a week at their owners’ expense, while the drivers reach received a minimum $368 fine and demerit points.
The highest speed police observed was a motorcycle going 185 km/h at night.
“We originally thought this was due to the long weekend,” Sgt. John Ferguson said, “but Tuesday the traffic unit impounded 11 more vehicles for excessive speed and charged one person for driving under the influence of a drug.”
Police also made “numerous,” drug seizures, Ferguson said.
“We are very concerned about the high speeds observed on our highways. Combine this with impaired driving and it is a recipe for disaster.”
Ferguson noted they will be out in full force again ahead of next weekend’s Shambhala Music Festival, which brings thousands of people to the region.
“Please be careful in driving and be warned there will be concentrated enforcement across our region as we want everyone to be safe and get to their destination alive and well.”