Police snare 31 drivers during enforcement blitz

Dozens of drivers were caught speeding, driving while distracted or not wearing their seatbelts during a police blitz on Tuesday.

The Kelowna RCMP municipal traffic section partnered with RCMP Central Okanagan Traffic Services to conduct joint enforcement in Kelowna.

In two hours, officers stopped 31 drivers who were allegedly caught using their cellphones, not wearing their seatbelts or, in the majority of cases, speeding.

Thirteen of the 31 violators had their vehicles towed and impounded due to excessive speeding, said Const. Chris Neid.

“The top speed we detected was a dangerous 151 kilometres per hour within a posted 90 kilometres per hour zone,” he said.

The driver of that vehicle was identified as a Class 7 new driver with an expired driver’s licence.

The driver had been flagged by the motor vehicle branch to be served a threemonth driving prohibition.

At another location that day, officers caught 18 drivers using electronic devices in one hour.

Friday marks the start of the monthlong distracted drivers campaign in B.C.

“Enforcement targeting drivers distracted by electronic devices and those who fail to wear their seatbelts will continue thought the entire month of September, as RCMP continue to do their part in an effort to keep your roadways safe,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey.