152 violation tickets issued in summer safety initiative by West Vancouver Police

 “The high volume of citations issued over a single weekend demonstrates that unsafe driving behaviours remain a serious concern”

STARTING Friday, July 17 with a joint force operation with Metro Vancouver Transit Police’s Target Mobile Enforcement Team (TMET), West Vancouver Police Department’s summer safety initiative provided dedicated education and enforcement throughout West Vancouver in key areas of concern. Officers focused on major highways, high-traffic corridors, and locations subject to frequent public complaints, including Ambleside and Cypress Bowl Road.

Enforcement efforts targeted high-risk behaviours, including impaired driving, dangerous driving, excessive speed, unsafe and non-compliant vehicles, and distracted driving, as well as intentional excessive exhaust noise and high-occupancy vehicle (HOV) bus lane infractions on the Lions Gate Bridge.

Officers also intercepted youth riding illegal electronic dirt bikes. Police say the public is reminded that operating these off-road vehicles (such as Talaria and Sur-Ron models) on public streets, sidewalks, or municipal paths violates the Motor Vehicle Act. E-dirt bikes are not legal to ride anywhere within the District of West Vancouver.

Results of this initiative include:

• 152 violation tickets issued in total

• 28 tickets issued for speeding, including four citations for excessive speed

• 26 drivers ticketed for operating an electronic device while driving

• 10 immediate roadside prohibitions (IRPs) issued to drivers operating vehicles while impaired by alcohol or drugs

• 8 vehicles impounded for excessive speed, street racing, or impairment

• 6 tickets issued to riders of illegal e-dirt bikes

• 6 Notice and Orders issued for vehicle compliance and safety violations

• 2 Driver Prohibition Notices served

• 1 prohibited driver arrested

“Our primary objective during these targeted operations is to protect the safety of all road users across West Vancouver,” says Sgt. Stephen France of the WVPD Traffic Unit. “The high volume of citations issued over a single weekend demonstrates that unsafe driving behaviours remain a serious concern”.

He adds that safety on the roadways is a shared responsibility. Drivers are urged to obey posted speed limits, remain sober, make sure their vehicles are legal, compliant, and properly insured and registered, and to leave the phone alone when driving.

WVPD officers will maintain a visible presence on West Vancouver roadways throughout the summer to enforce traffic laws and prioritize public safety.