Since January the Kelowna BC Highway Patrol has stopped and impounded 545 vehicles for excessive speeding and aggressive driving.
According to a press release, police are warning motorists to slow down, especially as winter approaches. Drivers are being told to adjust for adverse road conditions. Excessive speeding is one of the most preventable situations, officials said.
Vehicles found travelling at speeds 41 km/h over the posted limit will be impounded for seven days at the owner’s expense.
In September, the impound and towing rates increased with a ticket now costing between $368 to $483. On top of the fine, speed convictions can impact drivers’ licences, insurance premiums and possibly result in a driving prohibition.
According to police, next to impaired driving, excessive speed is one of the leading causes of serious injury and fatal collisions.
“Please slow down and drive safe,” officials said.
This warning comes after RCMP in Kelowna issued 45 tickets for speeding in school zones over four days.
RCMP said its Municipal Traffic Section targeted school zone speeders between Nov. 4 and Nov. 7 and saw a concerning amount of violations.
“One driver who was travelling 69 km/h in a 30 km/h school zone along Hollywood Road South,” it said in a statement.
In addition to the school zone infractions, RCMP said traffic officers also impounded four others including one vehicle travelling 108 km/hr in a 60 km/hr zone along Glenmore Road, and another travelling 105 km/hr in the 60 km/h part of Highway 33.