STAY CONNECTED: Have the stories that matter most delivered every night to your email inbox. Subscribe to our daily local news wrap.
By Justine Kelsie

Officers to focus on speeding drivers in April

Apr 4, 2018 | 4:17 PM

Grande Prairie Enforcement Services will be keeping their eyes peeled for drivers breaking the speed limit.

The focus for the Selected Traffic Enforcement Program (STEP) for the month of April will be put on speeding vehicles. Sgt. Ross Gear says speed limits, road conditions, weather, traffic, and the type of vehicle driven will influence how fast a driver goes. 

“Speeding also reduces the effectiveness of seatbelts and other safety devices. It also reduces reaction time when something happens,” said Gear. 

According to Gear, Alberta Transportation says nearly one in four fatal collisions involved one or more drivers that were going faster than the posted limit.

He says school zones get attention during the school year and playground zones are looked at all year long, but they will continue to be a focus during this month’s STEP. The speed limit near a school is 30 km/hr between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. on any school day. Playground zones start at the same time but run every day and are done one hour after sunset. 

On top of play areas, Gear reminds drivers that the maximum speed is 50 km/hr unless otherwise posted within city limits. Flashing lights at a crosswalk mean drivers have to slow to 30 km/hr even if the pedestrian has cleared the walkway. 

Construction zones and passing emergency vehicles are also areas to keep in mind while behind the wheel. 

With snow melting at the rate it has been, Gear says icy roads may be something to continue to watch. 

“Road conditions certainly play a factor. When the roads are slippery, it takes longer to stop so your speed has to be down. People have to realize that the speed limit is set for basically ‘good’ road conditions. If the road conditions are poor, they should use extra caution or even reduce their speed more.”

According to a media release, the fines for speeding are: 

           Speed                Demerits             Fine Range 

  • 1-15 km              over 2 points      $78-$120 
  • 16-30 km            over 3 points      $140-$239 
  • 31 – 50 km          over 3 points      $253-$474 
  • 50 km+               over 6 points      Mandatory Court – Fine determined by the Court
     

w/ files from Curtis Galbraith

by Justine Kelsie