The Quinte West Detachment of the Ontario Provincial Police (OPP) and Belleville Police Service have laid over 300 charges during Focused Patrol on Old Highway 2, between RCAF Road and the east side of Belleville.
Focused Patrol analyzes data to determine crime and traffic trends within municipalities. With the information gathered, detachments are better able to determine where and when resources should be deployed.
Data analysis shows that weekdays, during the commuter hours, speeds are high, and drivers appear to be distracted.
For the month of July, officers with both Belleville Police Service and the Quinte West OPP issued a combined total of 326 provincial offences notices (tickets).
The majority of the tickets were for speeding, with two people being required to appear in court for stunt driving (excessive speed) on Dundas Street West in Belleville. Tickets were also iss ued for cell phone use, failing to wear seatbelts and for having cannabis readily available to driver.
Fines and warnings were also issued for not having proper documentation for vehicles, and other violations such as failing to move over for stopped emergency vehicle and equipment issues such as illegal tint on windows.
The Ontario Ministry of Transportation, OPP and Belleville Police also partnered during this time frame for commercial vehicle inspections, with several drivers facing fines and vehicles removed from service.
“Road safety is everyone’s responsibility. Officers with the Quinte West Detachment are working with our partners to ensure that those who put their own safety, and that of others, in jeopardy, are held accountable.” -Acting Staff Sergeant John Vis, Quinte West OPP
“The goal of any traffic enforcement initiative is increased community safety,” said Inspector Jeremy Ashley, Belleville Police Service.
“Everyone plays a part in keepi ng our roads safe. These laws are in place to protect you and those around you, and we’ll continue working with our partners to promote accountability and improve overall road safety.”
Officers from the Quinte West Detachment and the Belleville Police Service are committed to ensuring the roads in Quinte Region are safe for everyone who uses them.
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
