Ottawa police see increase in stunt driving so far this year

An Ottawa police cruiser is seen in this file image. (CTV News Ottawa)

Ottawa police are reporting a higher number of tickets being issued to drivers going at dangerously high speeds this year.

As of May 20, police said 286 tickets were issued for stunt driving and related offences across the city, representing a 26 per cent increase compared to the same period last year.

A recent enforcement initiative between May 8 and May 15 led to 88 tickets and two Criminal Code charges. Twenty drivers will face a mandatory day in court.

Ottawa police and Ontario Provincial Police have been increasing their enforcement of stunt driving and dangerous driving.

“The goal is simple. Safer roads for everyone,” Ottawa police said in a social media post Tuesday.

“Stunt driving and other dangerous driving behaviours put everyone on Ottawa roads at risk.”

In Ontario, stunt driving charges come with an automatic 30-day licence suspension and a 14-day vehicle impound. Convictions can lead to a minimum $2,000 fine, six demerit points and a one-year driving suspension.

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