Driver in Ottawa Bylaw Services vehicle caught using cellphone on Hwy. 417: OPP

Ontario Provincial Police say a driver of an Ottawa Bylaw Services vehicle was observed using a cellphone while driving on Hwy. 417. (OPP/X)

The driver of a City of Ottawa Bylaw Services vehicle is facing a $615 fine after being stopped using a cellphone while driving on Highway 417 in Ottawa.

Ontario Provincial Police said an officer stopped a driver in a Bylaw Services vehicle on Hwy. 417 because “they were using their cellphone while driving.”

The driver was charged with distracted driving, which includes a $615 fine, three demerit points and a three-day driving suspension upon conviction.

A photo posted on social media of the traffic stop showed it was Bylaw Services vehicle stopped by police.

“Distracted driving remains the number one cause of serious collisions and vehicle related deaths in Ontario,” OPP Const. Michael Fathi said on X.

Bylaw and Regulatory Services Director Roger Chapman said in a statement to CTV News Ottawa that the matter remains under investigation.

“By-law and Regulatory Services (BLRS) is aware of the social media post from the Ontario Provincial Police. All BLRS staff are required to comply with the provisions of the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) and obey all traffic laws. Employees are responsible for paying tickets issued to them under the HTA,” Chapman wrote.

“As this matter is currently under investigation, BLRS is unable to provide further comment.”

The OPP post on X appeared to have been deleted Thursday afternoon.