Central Okanagan

RCMP in the Central Okanagan are frustrated with excessive speeds being exhibited by some drivers in the Central Okanagan.

During a few hours last week, a member of the Central Okanagan Traffic Service (COTS), caught no less than seven motorists travelling at excessive speeds (40km/h or more above the posted limit).

These include 95km/h in a construction zone, 164km/h on the highway and 141km/h through downtown West Kelowna.

COTS Cst. Sheldon Herman says despite the countless pleas for people to show caution and slow down it is apparent some drivers are still not getting the message.

"With so many extra vehicles and motorcycles on the roadway and a large increase in pedestrians and tourists visiting our towns it is absolutely essential that people slow down and drive safe so we can prevent any further tragedies," says Herman.

"For those who still believe they are invincible and that nothing will happen to them, RCMP officers will be out in force throughout the summer issuing violation tickets and vehicle impounds to those that deserve them."

Fines for excessive speed range from $368 to $483 and include a mandatory seven day vehicle impound.

Police can also request an increase in those penalties for instances such as street racing where an immediate 15 day driving prohibition can be requested.

During his weekly Monday press briefing, Cst. Kris Clark says, while he can't comment on the current system of fines and impounds available to police, he believes a combined approach of enforcement and education is required to change people's behaviour.

"We are going to continue those efforts and do everything we can to educate the public about how dangerous speeding really is," says Clark.

"It causes horrific collisions. They are very traumatising."

Clark says the good weather brings out the speed demons.

"It's that mentality that I can drive faster because the roads are not slick, there's no snow, that kind of this," says Clark.

"But, it's simply more dangerous because of the volume of cars out there and you're surrounded by more people."