In an attempt to put the brakes on when it comes to things like speeding and stunting on Regina streets, Regina police are announcing they will be increasing public education and enforcement.
Project SPEED will see members increasing traffic enforcement, provide education on rules of the road and vehicle standards while trying to reduce the number of dangerous driving occurrences in the city.
Cst. Greg Krawetz, a member of the Regina Police Service traffic safety unit, said this is the time of year when they see an increase in traffic vehicle speed, vehicle modifications and excessive noise. However, he noted the COVID-19 pandemic has also had an effect on those numbers.
“We saw a reduction in traffic on roadways, which normally you’d think would be a reduction in complaints, but unfortunately it resulted in an increase in the number of complaints,” explained Cst. Krawetz.
“With the roadways being less busy, a lot of vehicles were travelling at higher speeds than normal.”
Krawetz said the bulk of the complaints RPS and the city have been receiving from concerned citizens are speed related.
He mentioned that some drivers have not been following school zone and playground speed limits. Police have even caught vehicles going well over 100 km/h on Albert Street – a 50 km/h zone – according to Krawetz.
Officers with the traffic safety unit, Combined Traffic Services Saskatchewan and patrol members will be focusing on speeding, excess vehicle noise, stunting and street racing and illegal vehicle modifications.
Krawitz said people can expect a higher police presence. “You’re going to expect to see more traffic enforcement on the roads on top of our regular duties where we are out there every day keeping the roads of Regina safe.”
The initiative will be active throughout the month of June.
(With files from Moises Canales)
