Winter driving on closed roads leads to charges by OPP

An Ontario Provincial Police cruiser is shown parked near a road closed sign in this undated image. (File photo/CTV News)

Ontario Provincial Police charged 20 or more motorists for driving on closed highways in northeastern Ontario over a two-week period last month.

Officers with the OPP’s South Porcupine and Iroquois Falls detachments issued 20 provincial offence notices for the Highway Traffic Act infraction between Dec. 18 and Dec. 30.

Police say driving on closed roads creates significant hazards.

“Driving around barricades puts your safety and the safety of first responders at risk,” said OPP in a news release.

The provincial police force also noted that travelling on a closed highway can interfere with snow removal operations and increase emergency crew response times.

Closures carefully considered

Authorities emphasized that road closures are not issued lightly.

Both police and the Ministry of Transportation of Ontario consider several factors before choosing to close a highway – including collisions, visibility, ice and snow accumulation, and blowing snow.

Winter driving reminders

With winter conditions persisting, OPP are urging drivers to exercise caution and plan ahead.

Motorists are reminded to monitor weather and road conditions before travelling, allow extra time to reach their destination and exercise patience during adverse conditions.

“OPP would like to remind motorists to drive with caution during the winter months,” said police.

“OPP is reminding drivers that salt becomes far less effective in extreme cold, leading to hard‑packed ice and reduced traction,” added another OPP detachment in a social media post.

“Motorists should allow more space, especially around commercial motor vehicles, as stopping distances will be reduced.”

Travellers can obtain current road conditions by calling 511 or by visiting the MTO’s 511on.ca website.