Vehicles impounded, licences suspended in OPP traffic crackdown

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is stationed in a community safety zone in Simcoe County.

The South Georgian Bay OPP detachment has been cracking down on traffic infractions in North Simcoe, focusing on school and community safety zones now that kids are back in class. Over the past week, police say officers handed out penalties for offences like speeding, which OPP says is one of the ‘Big Four’ contributing factors of serious crashes along with seat belt usage, distracted driving and impaired driving.

Police say a 31-year-old man from Elmvale was caught doing 123 km/h in a 60 km/h zone on Vasey Road in Tay Township last week. He was charged with stunt driving, resulting in his vehicle being impounded, and his licence being suspended for 30 days. He also faces a charge under the Cannabis Control Act.

Throughout last week, provincial police say officers investigated 12 collisions and responded to 25 traffic complaints, including reports of suspected impaired drivers and speeding. They also conducted 14 R.I.D.E. programs, checking over 200 drivers.

Police say that on Wednesday, two impaired driving investigations led to charges.

A 35-year-old man was charged with impaired driving after officers found him unconscious in a vehicle in Midland. Police say a 47-year-old woman from Penetanguishene was charged with impaired driving after officers responded to a report of a possible impaired driver.

Both instances resulted in 90-day licence suspensions and seven-day vehicle impounds.

The OPP is reminding motorists to slow down in school zones and community safety areas and to stop for school buses with flashing lights. They urge the public to call 911 to report suspected impaired drivers.