Mountie mock-up not to be mocked
Drivers who don’t take cut-out cop seriously in school zones could end up getting a ticket from a real officer
Anew Kelowna RCMP recruit will spend his days stationed in local school zones, warning people to slow down.
The catch is Const. Warren Ning is a two-dimensional cut-out.
Inspired by a traffic-calming campaign in Metro Vancouver called Constable Scarecrow, Kelowna RCMP have launched a similar campaign with their own cut-out officer.
The life-sized Mountie was produced by the City of Kelowna sign shop.
It is bright green and fitted with reflective tape, designed to be spotted by drivers from a distance.
It is affixed to a portable cart and will be making the rounds to schools throughout the district.
Drivers are encouraged to heed the Mountie’s warning to slow down, because a real officer may be hiding nearby, ready to catch people speeding through school zones.
“Additional enforcement officers may work alongside our newest traffic recruit,” said Cpl. Jesse O’Donaghey. “Motorists who choose to dismiss his warning should not be surprised to find a real Mountie hidden behind him with a laser speed device, ready to stop them for speeding through that school zone.”
The cut-out cop is welcomed by the Central Okanagan school district.
“We applaud the efforts from the Kelowna RCMP municipal traffic section to slow down traffic around schools and improve student safety,” said Kevin Kaardal, district superintendent.