Traffic blitz nets 147 charges on Canada Day weekend

North Durham police's traffic co-ordinator has concerns about the number of motorists caught for road offenses over the Canada Day long weekend.

Constable Darrin MacDuff organized a 'Crush the Rush' traffic blitz, deploying four officers on June 27 and June 30 around north Durham to keep an eye out for speeding and other road violations. A total of 147 charges were laid over the two days, targetting key roads including Davis Drive, Regional Road 30 (York/Durham Line), Hwy. 47 through Goodwood, Regional Road 13 through Leaskdale, Regional Road 21 (Goodwood Road) into Scugog and Lakeridge Road North into Brock township.

The campaign was also designed to monitor cottage commuters but "There was a surprising number of local people caught who know the roads," said Const. MacDuff.

"I'm still concerned about speeding in smaller communities."

The traffic coordinator said one "stunt driving" charge was laid, with the driver losing his license for a week and his vehicle impounded. Other charges included driving with a suspended license and unauthorized license plates, he said.

There was also a $490 fine handed out for a driver who failed to stop for an emergency vehicle, said the constable. He said if you're on a two-lane road and see an emergency vehicle with lights activated at the roadside, pull into the far lane to allow a buffer.

He warns drivers that north Durham police are planning another traffic campaign for the long weekend at the beginning of August.