OPS Traffic Services Unit conducts downtown enforcement - 297 tickets issued

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Thursday February 23, 2023   11:30 am 

(Ottawa) — Over the Family Day long weekend, officers in the Ottawa Police Service (OPS) Traffic Services Unit conducted enforcement measures in the downtown core.

“We saw a large number of drivers using their cell phones,” said Staff Sergeant Denis Hull with the Ottawa Police Traffic and Escort Unit. “It’s important to remind drivers to leave the phone alone while operating a vehicle.”

In total, officers issued 297 tickets, including:

• 21 for using cell phones,
• 12 for stunt driving,
• 26 for speeding,
• 34 for disobeying a stop sign,
• 18 for driving without a licence
• 81 for expired licence plates or permit
• 5 for driving while suspended.

“Our officers used our Automated License Plate Readers (ALPRs) to quickly identify vehicle registration and drivers’ licence offences as well as suspended drivers,” said S/Sgt Hull. “According to the Ontario Ministry of Transportation, there continue to be over 39,000 motor vehicles in Ottawa with expired permits. Vehicle owners are reminded that there is no longer a cost but the requirement to renew your vehicle permit still exists.”

In the city’s east end, the Traffic Service Unit continued its commercial vehicle inspections near Coventry Road. A total of 15 vehicles were examined, with three vehicles taken out of service. Violations included an insecure load, lack of an annual safety inspection, and improper tires on the vehicle.

Road safety continues to be a priority to both residents and the Ottawa Police, and the Service will continue to focus on these types of proactive measures to ensure the safety of all road users.

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