Multiple drivers charged in Orillia OPP road safety blitz

An OPP cruiser with its lights flashing is pictured in Orillia, Ont. (Source: OPP/File Image)

Provincial police in the Orillia area reported the results of their recent proactive road safety efforts on Sunday, which resulted in multiple drivers getting charged for various offences.

The drivers were stopped and charged following proactive traffic stops and tips from concerned residents.

Prohibited Driver

According to Orillia OPP, an officer was patrolling Barrie Road near West Street just after 8 p.m. this past Wednesday, when they saw a car commit a traffic offence.

Police say the officer pulled the driver over and then learned that the driver was prohibited due to a Criminal Code conviction.

The 36-year-old Orillia man was charged with operation while prohibited (Criminal Code), driving without proper headlights (Highway Traffic Act) and driving without insurance (Compulsory Automobile Insurance Act).

His vehicle was impounded for 45 days.

Suspended Driver

This past Thursday, Orillia OPP reports that an officer was patrolling Highway 12 at around 3 a.m. near West Street, when a vehicle triggered their Automated Licence Plate Recognition (ALPR) system.

Police say the officer pulled that vehicle over and learned that the driver from British Columbia had been suspended in Ontario since 2006.

The 45-year-old from Richmond, B.C. was charged with driving while under suspension and driving a vehicle without a validated permit.

Stunt Driver

Also on Thursday, at around 2:45 p.m., Orillia OPP reports that an officer was conducting speed enforcement on Highway 11 in Oro-Medonte, when they noticed a speeding vehicle.

Police say that vehicle was travelling at 141 kilometres per hour in a posted 90 zone.

The 45-year-old driver from North Bay was charged with stunt driving – excessive speed.

Their vehicle was impounded for 14 days and their licence was suspended for 30 days.

Impaired Driver

Later that Thursday, Orillia OPP says officers received reports just after 5 p.m. about a suspicious vehicle that was parked near University Avenue and Old Barrie Road.

The officers found the vehicle and entered an impaired driving investigation. Police say the driver failed a roadside screening test and was subsequently arrested.

The 71-year-old from Oro-Medonte was charged with impaired driving while having a blood alcohol concentation exceeding 80 milligrams per 100 millilitres.

Their licence was suspended for 90 days and their vehicle was impounded for seven days.

All four accused parties are scheduled for future court dates to answer to their respective charges.