Police officers in Ottawa say dozens of charges were issued to drivers this week amid crackdowns on highways. Meanwhile, Mayor Mark Sutcliffe is urging drivers to slow down ahead of the back-to-school season. Ontario Provincial Police say officers issued more than 50 charges to drivers in Ottawa over the course of two nights this week. Officers on the roads and in the air conducted traffic enforcement blitzes on Ottawa’s highways on Wednesday and Thursday. Of the drivers charged, Ottawa OPP Const. Michael Fathi says eight were issued stunt driving charges, which come with an automatic roadside licence suspension of 30 days and a 14-day vehicle impound. Ottawa police lay 20 charges in 1 hour On the 174, which is monitored by the Ottawa Police Service, officers issued 20 charges in a single hour, according to a social media post. Ottawa police say the tickets were for speeding, excessive tinting on windows, failing to display two licence plates, and failing to surrender required documents. “Know your responsibilities as a driver and vehicle owner. Following the rules can help you avoid a ticket and keep everyone moving safely,” police said. Speed data being shared with police Mayor Mark Sutcliffe also posted to social media saying the City of Ottawa will be sending speed data to the Ottawa Police Service ahead of children returning to school to ensure enforcement in areas where speeding has increased. “And then, they’ll send their traffic enforcement unit to crack down on speeding where it poses the greatest risk to our children,” Sutcliffe said. Recent data collected by the city shows fewer drivers are complying with speed limits at former photo radar camera sites, with only one in every five drivers obeying the limit in July. “Just a reminder to drivers: please slow down, especially in school zones… and in residential neighbourhoods where kids are playing. Let’s make sure our kids can get to school and get back home again safely,” Sutcliffe said.
